Botulinum toxin in the treatment of lingual movement disorders

Mov Disord. 2009 Nov 15;24(15):2199-202. doi: 10.1002/mds.22549.

Abstract

Lingual movement disorders are a rare but serious manifestation of neurologic disease, which have the potential to cause significant morbidity. Traditionally, these disorders were treated with pharmacotherapy achieving only limited results. Several case series have demonstrated the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin injection for the management of focal lingual movement disorders; however, apprehension persists regarding intralingual injections due to the risk of dysphagia. Here, we report seven patients with lingual movement disorders treated with intralingual Botox (Allergan product) injections via a novel superior approach into the genioglossus over a period of 3 to 72 months. All patients experienced a marked improvement in their abnormal tongue movements with no substantial bleeding or dysphagia. Lingual Botulinum toxin injection should be considered a safe and viable treatment option for a variety of disorders affecting the tongue.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects
  • Botulinum Toxins / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement Disorders / complications
  • Movement Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Movement Disorders / etiology
  • Parkinson Disease
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tongue Diseases / chemically induced
  • Tongue Diseases / complications
  • Tongue Diseases / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents
  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Levodopa
  • Botulinum Toxins