Neurológia pre prax 2/2009

New perspectives for botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin nowadays represents an important contribution to the treatment of several motor disorders – spasticity, dystonia, hyperkinetic syndromes, tremor. In a lesser extent botulinum toxin is used in smooth muscle dysfunction (e. g. urine bladder hyperfunctional syndromes, oesophagus achalazia) and in hyperfuctional autonomic syndromes (e.g. hyperhidrosis, hypersalivation). We suppose that the therapeutical use of botulinum toxin will include new indications of motor system hyperfunctional syndromes, in visceral disorders, dysfunctions of autonomic nervous system and new indications in various pain syndromes. In this review article we summarize the most up-to date indications, mechanisms of action and presumed future development of clinical use of botulinum toxin.

Keywords: botulinum toxin, spasticity, dystonia, autonomic fibers, pain syndromes