Botulinum Toxin Not Effective for Headaches?
New guidelines developed by the American Academy of Neurology confirm that the drug botulinum toxin is safe and effective for treating cervical dystonia, a condition of involuntary head tilt or neck movement, spasticity and other forms of muscle overactivity that interfere with movement in adults and children with an upper motor neuron syndrome, and excessive sweating of the armpits and hands. Botulinum toxin may also be used in hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, some voice disorders , focal limb dystonias, essential tremor and some forms of spastic bladder disorders. This guidelines project was chaired by David M. Simpson, MD. To develop the guidelines, the authors reviewed and analyzed systematically all available scientific studies on the topic. Since its introduction 28 years ago, botulinum toxin has become the most effective treatment for numerous movement disorders associated with increased muscle contraction. The drug is … Read more