[Botulinum toxin in the treatment of blepharospasm. Initial experience]

The clinical effects of botulinum toxin A were evaluated in eight patients with idiopathic blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. A substantial reduction or disappearance of muscle spasms were observed after the treatment. The action of botulinum toxin became noticeable 2 days after administration with a peak effect at 2 weeks. This effect diminished with muscle spasms returning about 12 weeks after administration. No serious adverse events were noted. The treatment with botulinum toxin has become method of choice in blepharospasm, it is proposed for the management of local muscle spasms of various origin.