BOTOX MAY HELP PEOPLE WITH MOVEMENT DISORDERS

The long-term effects of botulinum toxin Type A (Botox) in patients with severe movement disorders confirm the safety of the toxin's use in controlled dosages, according to a recent study at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston.

The study's results are reported in the online edition of Movement Disorders.

The study analyzed the use of Botox in patients with neurological disorders involving dystonia, characterized by involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions. All 45 BCM patients who participated in the study had used Botox for at least 12 years, and some were treated for up to 19 years, according to News-Medical.

Mild side effects, such as transient difficulty swallowing or droopy eyelids, occurred in roughly one-third of the patients over the course of about 16 years. Researchers noticed that a gradual increase in dosage over time resulted in more effective alleviation of symptoms.

In that systematic review of 90 clinical studies, in which patients were asked to rate the outcome of their treatment with botulinum toxin Type A, patients consistently reported that the treatment significantly improved their ability to function and participate in daily activities, quality of life and their overall satisfaction with treatment. The review, which included studies across a diverse array of 24 medical conditions and cosmetic uses, was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Neuropharmacology.