Botulinum toxin injected in small doses directly into muscle binds to the neuromuscular junction and inactivates it for approximately 3 months. This treatment has been demonstrated to be useful for strabismus and blepharospasm, but there has not been a complete understanding of its mechanism of action. Studies of utility of botulinum toxin have been carried out in spasmotic dysphonia and writer's cramp (and its varients such as pianist's cramp). Treatment appears efficacious for both. Further studies are planned with adult stuttering. Studies of physiology of the mode of action have been carried out in spasmotic dysphonia, writer's cramp, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01NS002711-01
Application #
3969085
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code