March 2012
Volume 53, Issue 14
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   March 2012
Outcomes and Complications of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections in the Therapeutic Treatment of Facial Movement Disorders: A Comprehensive Review at One Institution
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Ryan J. Wise
    Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
  • Andrew Lowe
    Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
  • Conley B. Call
    Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
  • Keith D. Carter
    Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
  • Richard C. Allen
    Ophthalmology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  Ryan J. Wise, None; Andrew Lowe, None; Conley B. Call, None; Keith D. Carter, None; Richard C. Allen, None
  • Footnotes
    Support  None
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science March 2012, Vol.53, 1036. doi:
  • Views
  • Share
  • Tools
    • Alerts
      ×
      This feature is available to authenticated users only.
      Sign In or Create an Account ×
    • Get Citation

      Ryan J. Wise, Andrew Lowe, Conley B. Call, Keith D. Carter, Richard C. Allen; Outcomes and Complications of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections in the Therapeutic Treatment of Facial Movement Disorders: A Comprehensive Review at One Institution. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2012;53(14):1036.

      Download citation file:


      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

      ×
  • Supplements
Abstract

Purpose: : Facial movement disorders frequently require treatment to address associated ocular problems. Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection therapy has largely replaced surgery as the primary treatment for facial dystonias. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical applications and associated outcomes of BTX-A injection therapy for facial dystonias with emphasis on post-injection complications.

Methods: : A retrospective chart review. Patients were identified from the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between 1984 and 2009 that received periocular BTX-A injections for facial movement disorders. Data obtained: gender, diagnosis, age at first treatment, number of visits, units of BTX-A injected per visit, surgical interventions before or during treatment, and complications.

Results: : A total of 334 patients were included in the study. Gender: 38.6% male and 61.4% female. Diagnoses: 47.6% benign essential blepharospasm, 42.2% hemifacial spasm, 6.6% aberrant regeneration without hemifacial spasm, 2.1% various conditions, and 1.5% myokymia. Mean age at first treatment: 62.5 years. Mean number of visits: 11.5. Mean number of units of BTX-A injected per visit: 40. Surgical interventions: 23.1%. Complications: 12.3% signs of corneal irritation, 8.4% lack of desired effect, 3.8% ptosis, 3.7% complaints of dry/irritated eye, 1.9% tearing, 1.8% undesired effect on untargeted muscles, and 0.91% diplopia.

Conclusions: : Benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm accounted for more than 89% of the facial dystonias treated with BTX-A injection therapy. The most common adverse effects associated with BTX-A therapy were signs of corneal irritation, lack of desired effect, ptosis, and dry/irritated eye symptoms. Only one in three patients with corneal irritation complained of dry/irritated eyes. The corneas of patients receiving BTX-A therapy for facial movement disorders should be screened at follow up regardless of symptoms.

Keywords: eyelid • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications 
×
×

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

Sign in or purchase a subscription to access this content. ×

You must be signed into an individual account to use this feature.

×