Phenol block for cervical dystonia: effects and side effects.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the effectiveness and side effects of 2% phenol block in patients with cervical dystonia (CD).


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
A rehabilitation department at a university medical center in Japan.


METHODS
Sixteen patients (11 men, 5 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 43.4+/-11.2y) with CD. The cause of the CD was unknown, and all cases were refractory to the oral medication and rehabilitation therapy.


METHODS
Two percent phenol blocks guided by electromyography.


METHODS
A blind analysis by neurologists of the Tsui score before and after 2 weeks of treatment with phenol block. Side effects were evaluated by another neurologist and patient report.


RESULTS
There was significant (P=.0002) improvement in neck movement and position, based on a reduced Tsui score, after the phenol block. However, 4 patients had a complication of sensory disturbance of the transverse cutaneous nerve of the neck area. The sensory disturbances decreased gradually and disappeared within 3 months, whereas the effects of the phenol block continued.


CONCLUSIONS
Phenol block can reduce the impact of CD that is refractory to therapy.
Takeuchi
Naoyuki
N
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 14 West 5, Sapporo 060-0814, Japan. naoyuki@med.hokudai.ac.jp
Chuma
Takayo
T
Mano
Yukio
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000187:drug effects; D009407:Nerve Block; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019148:Neuromuscular Blockade / Q000379:methods*; D019800:Phenol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014103:Torticollis / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D019800:Phenol