[Writer's cramp treated with botulinum injections].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the first clinical experience with local botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in patients with writer's cramp.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.


METHODS
In May 1993-January 1996 ten patients with writer's cramp were treated with BTA (Dysport). Age of the patients varied from 28 to 68 years, the duration of complaints from 1 to 29 years. Muscles for injections were selected by observation, sometimes combined with electromyography. BTA was administered under electromyographic guidance.


RESULTS
The amount of BTA administered per treatment session ranged from 15 to 400 IU. In three patients the BTA-induced weakness necessary to reach a beneficial effect on writing was unacceptable. In seven patients the response was satisfactory or good and lasted 2 to 15 months (mean: 3.5 months).


CONCLUSIONS
The results confirm the efficacy of BTA in writer's cramp.
Koelman
J H
JH
Academisch Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam.
Struys
M A
MA
Ongerboer de Visser
B W
BW
Speelman
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006236:Handwriting; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009120:Muscle Cramp / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000139:chemically induced; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A
Schrijfkramp behandeld met botuline-injecties.