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Botulinum
Toxin (BOTOX®) is a purified neurotoxin derived from the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum, which temporarily weakens or paralyzes
human muscle. The neurotoxin consists of molecules that bind to nerve
endings and prevent the release of stimulating neurotransmitters. This
means the nerve signal is blocked from reaching the muscle, and hence
the muscles no longer contract. This treatment does not change the abnormal
brain signal that causes Spasmodic Torticollis (ST), but temporarily
reduces the symptoms of muscle spasms.
BOTOX® is injected directly into
the affected muscles. The resulting muscle relaxation reaches its peak
about two to four weeks following injection, and lasts between two and
three months. Re-injections are then required to maintain relief of
symptoms.
BOTOX® injections for ST are usually
safe and effective. However, the toxin can travel into neighboring muscles
and cause temporary side effects, like swallowing difficulty and weakness.
Over time patients may develop a resistance to the botulinum toxin as
they produce antibodies that render the toxin ineffective. Two types
of the toxin are currently manufactured, Types A and B. Type A is the
most common form used, and people who develop a resistance to it may
respond favourably to Type B.
While BOTOX injections are initially
helpful in reducing the severity of ST muscle contractions, the disease
often continues and becomes more disabling. Ultimately, patients may
become dissatisfied with the repeated injections and consider other
treatment options.
Continue
to Microvascular
Decompression (MVD) Surgery.
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