[Applications of the botulinum A toxin]

The botulinum A toxin inhibits the release of acethylcoline from the vesicles of presynaptic neuronal end plates. Its effect is a transient pharmacological neurectomy. The toxin is used more and more widespreadingly. It selectively inhibits certain muscles or groups of muscles. Its use is of outstanding importance in the treatment of blepharospasm, a disease possibly causing transient functional blindness. This blindness develops randomly, with undetermined duration, therefore it may even threaten the life of the patient. There is no alternative treatment. In ophthalmology, the toxin is used in the therapy of strabismus and nystagmus, as well as replacing entropion operations. Most often its use is suggested in the treatment of focal dystonies, dysphonia, tremor palatinus, dysphagia, spasm of the oesophagus sphincter muscle, nasal hypersecretion, hemifacial spasm, headaches, focal hyperhydrosis, proctalgia fugax, diabetic gastroparesis and difficulties in urination. In the past few years, the toxin has been used for esthetic reasons as well. By relaxing the muscles causing wrinkles, non-permanent result may be reached with its use. The botulinum A toxin does not have general side effects. As local side effects, haematomas and unwanted, transient paresis of the neighboring muscles can be mentioned.