Neurologic uses of botulinum neurotoxin type A

Abstract

John P Ney, Kevin R JosephMadigan Army Medical Center, Neurology Service, Tacoma, WA, USAAbstract: This article reviews the current and most neurologic uses of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A), beginning with relevant historical data, neurochemical mechanism at the neuromuscular junction. Current commercial preparations of BoNT-A are reviewed, as are immunologic issues relating to secondary failure of BoNT-A therapy. Clinical uses are summarized with an emphasis on controlled clinical trials (as appropriate), including facial movement disorders, focal neck and limb dystonias, spasticity, hypersecretory syndromes, and pain.Keywords: botulinum neurotoxins, BOTOX®, Dysport®, chemodenervation