[Botulinum toxin in otorhinolaryngology].
OBJECTIVE
Through its anticholinergic effect, botulinum toxin is a suitable therapeutic option for dysfunctions of the muscular and the autonomic nervous system.


METHODS
Beside the classical indications like facial hyperkinesis (i.e. blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm), the treatment of complex dystonias (oromandibular dystonia, spasmodic dystonia, cervical dystonia), gustatory sweating, hypersalivation and crocodile tears is successful. Botulinum toxin is an alternative treatment of tension type headache and migraine. A new indication of botulinum toxin application may involve the treatment of nasal hypersecretion through the effect on the nasal glands.


RESULTS
The positive therapeutic effect starts a few days after treatment and lasts longer in disorders of the autonomic nervous system. Because of its temporally limited therapeutic effect, the patients need further treatment. Side-effects are rare.


CONCLUSIONS
Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for a variety disorders with different etiologies and has very few side effects.
Rohrbach
S
S
HNO-Klinik der Universität Göttingen. saskia.rohrbach@med.uni-goettingen.de
Laskawi
R
R
D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001905:Botulinum Toxins / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D001905:Botulinum Toxins