Other indications of botulinum toxin therapy

Eur J Neurol. 2006 Feb:13 Suppl 1:65-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01448.x.

Abstract

The therapeutic possibilities of botulinum toxin are manifold and certainly not yet fully exhausted. Apart from the classical indications--focal dystonia and focal spasticity--its use in the management of wrinkles has become well known. Moreover, the toxin is now being administered in many medical fields, including many other kinetic disorders like rare dystonias and tremor. The toxin is also used in a great number of autonomic disorders such as focal hyperhidrosis and even rhinitis. Substantial advances have been made in the field of urology after injections into the sphincter and detrusor muscle. Studies for approval are meanwhile under way concerning the treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia. Gastroenterology is another important field for application of botulinum toxin--be it to the esophagus (e.g. achalasia), stomach, gallbladder, or anorectum. Anal fissure is considered a particularly common indication. Controlled studies for many indications are frequently lacking because of the limited incidence of some of these disorders and symptoms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Botulinum Toxins / therapeutic use*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Muscular Diseases / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins