Premium
Botulinum toxin therapy of writer's cramp
Author(s) -
Das C. P.,
Dressler D.,
Hallett M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01446.x
Subject(s) - medicine , botulinum toxin , weakness , adverse effect , physical medicine and rehabilitation , muscle weakness , dose , anesthesia , intensive care medicine , physical therapy , surgery , pharmacology
The pathophysiology and management of writer's cramp is one of the most challenging amongst the various forms of focal dystonias. Frequently, the dystonic postures are confounded by compensatory muscle activity. Correct identification of target muscles for botulinum toxin (BT) injections determines the treatment success. The dosages of different preparations vary, with 1 unit of Botox® roughly equalling 3.5 units of Dysport®. Electromyographic guided injections yield better results and may also decrease the amount of toxin required. Weakness of target muscles interfering with other non‐writing activities is a frequently encountered adverse effect. Studies have shown that BT is a safe long‐term therapy option.