Botulinum toxin in the treatment of tremors, dystonias, sialorrhea and other symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Botulinum toxins are an effective treatment modality for a growing number of neurologic conditions. Although there has been varied interest and success in their use, they have been studied for a variety of conditions associated with Parkinson’s disease. Conditions reviewed in this paper include hand and jaw tremor, dystonia, blepharospasm and apraxia of eyelid opening, bruxism, camptocormia, freezing of gait, sialorrhea and constipation. We will make comments when applicable on our unique experience with botulinum toxin in these conditions. Other conditions associated with Parkinson's disease, which will not be reviewed here, but may benefit from botulinum toxin treatment include anterocollis (also known as dropped head syndrome), hyperhidrosis, seborrhea and overactive bladder.

Keywords::

• blepharospasm
• botulinum toxin
• bruxism
• camptocormia
• constipation
• dystonia
• Parkinson’s disease
• sialorrhea

Disclosure

Joseph Jankovic has received research grants from Allergan, Inc., Ipsen Ltd and Merz Pharmaceuticals and has served as a consultant for Allergan, Inc. and Merz Pharmaceuticals.