Botulinum toxin for ocular muscle disorders

Article Abstract:

A drug that has been used extensively in research studies for treating ocular (eye) muscle disorders has recently been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in patients over age 12 years. The medication is sold by Allergan under the brand name Oculinum, and consists of Botulinum toxin type A. This toxin is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum; it has the effect of temporarily blocking the nerve activity of a muscle, thereby weakening or paralyzing the muscle. Botulinum toxin has been shown to be effective in treating blepharospasm, a condition in which there are involuntary, spasmodic movements of the facial muscles around the eyes. If severe, the patient may be unable to see. When the drug was injected into the muscle, 90 percent of patients had their symptoms relieved for two to four months at a time. Botulinum toxin has also been effective in cases of hemifacial spasm, spasmodic torticollis, spasmodic dysphonia, and cranial-cervical dystonias. Strabismus, an eye condition commonly referred to as cross-eyes, has also been successfully treated with injections of botulinum toxin. The drug effect usually lasts for one to two months, but in some cases the eye muscles may realign in such a way that the beneficial effect is permanent. Testing has not revealed any serious side effects involving the entire body system, but a few rare cases of eye injury and one case of glaucoma have occurred. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Eye, Eye diseases, Muscle diseases, Muscular diseases, Dystonia, Ocular motility disorders, Oculinum (Medication)

---

Cosmetic use of botulinum toxin

Article Abstract:

Injecting botulinum toxin into the face and neck may improve the appearance of wrinkles, facial lines and a sagging neck. This toxin blocks nerve activity in muscles, causing paralysis. Injecting the toxin into muscle causes the muscle to lengthen, which flattens skin and reduces wrinkles. The greatest effect occurs within 7 to 14 days and can last for 3 to 6 months. Eventually the muscle recovers and the wrinkles return.

Usage, Cosmetics

---

Botulinum toxin for cervical dystonia

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved the use of botulinum toxin types A and B for the treatment of torticollis, a spasm of the neck muscles. Toxin A is sold under the trade name Botox and B under the trade name Myobloc. They both weaken or paralyze muscles but are expensive and must be injected about every three months.

Product information, Allergan Inc., AGN, Torticollis, Botox (Medication), Myobloc (Medication)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Nursing in gestational trophoblastic disease. The magic of theatre. Ward with a view
• Abstracts: Planning for a smooth discharge. Getting to know you. Therapeutic care
• Abstracts: Alprazolam for panic disorder. BCG for bladder cancer. Phenylpropanolamine and other OTC alpha-adrenergic agonists
• Abstracts: A fetal fatty-acid oxidation disorder as a cause of liver disease in pregnant women. Keratin 8 mutations in patients with cryptogenic liver disease
• Abstracts: Growth hormone for heart failure - cause for cautious optimism. A trial of the beta blocker bucindolol in patients with advanced chronic heart failure

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.