title: Botulinum toxin: historical perspective and potential new indications.
abstract: Botulinum toxin (BTX), a purified form of the neurotoxin responsible for botulism, is used worldwide for the treatment of abnormal muscle contractions. The ability of BTX to block acetylcholine release in a long-lasting but reversible fashion with few side effects has made it an important tool in a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders, including the dystonias, tremor, tics, and spasticity. There are seven antigenically distinct toxins. BTX-A has been in clinical use for almost two decades, with an outstanding efficacy and safety profile. Clinical effects are often seen within 1 week of injection, and benefits typically last from 3-6 months. Patient selection and the proper choice of dose and administration site are the most important determinants of a favorable response to BTX treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. josephj@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jankovic
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Brin
mesh_terms: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000266:history / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D018726:Anti-Dyskinesia Agents; D001905:Botulinum Toxins