Botulinum toxin in the management of blepharospasm: current evidence and recent developments. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hellman, Amy; Torres-Russotto, Diego
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders. Volume 8:Number 2(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: botulinum toxin -- Botox -- Xeomin -- Dysport -- Myobloc -- blepharospasm -- dystonia -- chemodenervation; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Nervous System Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; Neurodegenerative Diseases -- Periodicals; Système nerveux -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Système nerveux -- Dégénérescence -- Périodiques; Système nerveux; Système nerveux -- Maladies -- Traitement -- Périodiques; 616.805
• DOI: 10.1177/1756285614557475
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-2856

Abstract

Blepharospasm is a focal (although usually bilateral) dystonia of the orbicularis oculi muscles, producing excessive eye closure. This produces significant disability through functional blindness. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) have become the treatment of choice for blepharospasm; the impressive response rate and the tolerable safety profile have been proven through multiple clinical studies. There are currently four BoNT approved in the United States for different indications - we review the data on blepharospasm for each of these drugs. Currently, incobotulinumtoxinA and onabotulinumtoxinA have the most evidence of benefit for patients with blepharospasm. Current evidence, recent development and future directions are discussed.