Botulinum toxin therapy: distant effects on neuromuscular transmission and autonomic nervous system.

TLDR

The study assessed distant effects of botulinum toxin by performing single‑fiber electromyography of the extensor digitorum communis and six cardiovascular reflex tests in five patients with craniocervical dystonia or hemifacial spasm. Patients received two treatment sessions, with the second session administering a doubled dose of BoTox (Oculinum® 20–130 units). BoTox injection increased mean jitter beyond normal limits in all patients, raised fibre density after six weeks, produced mild cardiovascular reflex abnormalities in four patients, and overall confirmed distant effects on neuromuscular transmission and autonomic function.

Abstract

To evaluate distant effects of botulinum toxin, single fibre electromyography on the extensor digitorum communis muscle and six tests of cardiovascular reflexes were performed in five patients injected with BoTox (Oculinum(R) 20-130 units) for craniocervical dystonia and hemifacial spasm. Patients underwent two sessions of treatment and the second time the dosage was doubled. Botulinum toxin injection induced an increase of mean jitter value above normal limits in all cases. An increase of fibre density was recorded six weeks after the treatment. Cardiovascular reflexes showed mild abnormalities in four patients. The data confirm distant effects of botulinum toxin on neuromuscular transmission and on autonomic function.