Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of cervical dystonia

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2004 Sep;5(9):2017-24. doi: 10.1517/14656566.5.9.2017.

Abstract

Idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD) is the most common adult-onset focal dystonia. It is characterised by relatively sustained, involuntary contractions of neck muscles. Injections of botulinum toxin (BTX)-A are safe and effective for the treatment of ICD, and have substantially improved its treatment. BTX-A is manufactured by Allergan Pharmaceuticals in the US and Ireland, and is distributed as Botox. In Europe, BTX-A is manufactured and distributed by Ipsen Pharmaceuticals as Dysport. Success rates for BTX-A injections for ICD ranges 64-90%, with 76-93% of injected patients experiencing pain reduction. Side effects are generally mild and include dysphagia and neck weakness.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / pharmacokinetics
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Torticollis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A