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[Botulinum toxin therapy for cricopharyngeal spasm]
I Kamitsukasa1, S Kojima, M Nakajima
1Department of Neurology, Chiba University School of Medicine.
Rinsho Shinkeigaku = Clinical Neurology
|July 3, 1999
Summary
Botulinum toxin injections effectively treated cricopharyngeal spasm causing dysphagia after a stroke. This non-invasive therapy restored swallowing function for five years, offering a superior alternative to surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Stroke can lead to neurological deficits affecting swallowing.
- Cricopharyngeal spasm is a potential cause of dysphagia post-stroke.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old woman experienced persistent dysphagia and sensory disturbances after a stroke.
- Diagnostic tests revealed bilateral cricopharyngeal spasm as the cause of her swallowing difficulties.
Findings:
- Neurological and electrophysiological data localized the lesion to the lower pontine and medullary tegmentum.
- Botulinum toxin (10 units) administered to the cricopharyngeal muscles restored normal swallowing within 5 days.
Implications:
- Botulinum toxin therapy offers a non-invasive and effective treatment for cricopharyngeal spasm.
- This approach presents a promising alternative to surgical interventions for post-stroke dysphagia.