Botulinum Therapy for Dystonias
Botulinum therapy is one of the most effective and safe methods for treating various forms of dystonia. The method is based on the targeted injection of botulinum toxin into overactive muscles in order to relax them, reduce pathological activity and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Lidiia Prakhova has experience in diagnosing and treating dystonias, including severe and rare forms, and performs high-precision injection treatment using anatomical landmarks, ultrasound and EMG.
Which dystonias are treated with botulinum therapy
Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis)
The most common form of focal dystonia, manifested by:
- pathological head turn (torticollis);
- tilt (laterocollis);
- extension (retrocollis) or flexion (anterocollis);
- neck pain, muscle tension, headaches.
- Botulinum therapy is a first-line method and allows significant reduction of spasm, pain syndrome and improvement of head position.
Blepharospasm
Bilateral involuntary spasms of the orbicular eye muscle:
- frequent blinking;
- “crinkling” of the eyes;
- difficulty opening the eyelids;
- photophobia, tearing.
- The toxin in small doses is injected into the orbicular eye muscle and ensures long-lasting (3–4 months) symptom control.
Hemifacial spasm
Involuntary contractions of muscles on one half of the face:
- eyelid twitching;
- spasms of the cheek, mouth;
- facial asymmetry;
- social and functional discomfort.
- Injections are carried out into key mimic muscles, which reduces spasm without affecting facial symmetry and natural mimicry
Dystonias of the limbs
Include:
- writer’s cramp;
- musician’s dystonias;
- focal spasms of the forearm and hand;
- foot dystonias.
- The method enables restoration of precision of movement, reduction of painful spasm and improved functionality.
Advantages of botulinum therapy
- High efficacy — significant reduction of spasms in most patients.
- Minimal side-effects with proper technique.
- Local action — no systemic impact on the body.
- Proven safety with years of use.
- Ability to tailor dosing to individual patient characteristics.
- Short procedure time and quick return to normal activity.
How the procedure is performed
- Consultation and clarification of dystonia type;
- Neurological examination;
- MRI/EMG analysis if necessary;
- Selection of optimal muscle group.
- Choice of agent and dosage. Original preparations are used: Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® depending on the clinical task.
- Injections into the selected muscles; procedure takes 10–20 minutes; a fine needle is used; injections are performed under ultrasound guidance to achieve very high precision. In some cases EMG-guided targeting is used for maximum accuracy.
- Effect: First results appear within 3–7 days; full effect by day 10–14. Duration of action — 3–4 months.
When botulinum therapy is recommended
- Pronounced or painful spasms;
- Disturbance of head or eye position;
- Impairment of writing, work or daily activity;
- Intolerance or insufficient effect of oral medications;
- Cosmetically significant facial asymmetry in dystonias.
Possible side-effects
Rare and usually reversible:
- Weakness of adjacent muscles;
- Mild tenderness at the injection site;
- Bruising;
- Transient mimic asymmetry.
- With proper technique the risk is minima
Consultations & appointments
Consultations (and botulinum therapy) are carried out at the outpatient clinic of the Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh). Adult patients (18+).
For an appointment: 08-977-97-75, 08-977-91-45
✉ neuro@shamir.gov.il, 089779758@shamir.gov.il
For an appointment: 08-977-97-75, 08-977-91-45
✉ neuro@shamir.gov.il, 089779758@shamir.gov.il
