Botulinum toxin in the treatment of orofacial tardive dyskinesia: a single blind study

Orofacial tardive dyskinesia (OTD) is difficult to treat and Botulinium Toxin A (BTA) may be an option.

In a single blind (raters were blind) study (N=12, duration 33 weeks) OTD was treated with Botulinum Toxin A in three consecutive sessions with increasing dosages. The severity was measured with the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS).

Overall there was a non-significant reduction in the severity of OTD (p=0.15). However, in the patients with no change in their antipsychotic medication (N=8) the reduction was significant (p=0.035). After the study, 50% of the patients preferred to continue the Botulinum Toxin A treatment.

BTA was well tolerated and showed a non-significant improvement for OTD. A larger double blind study is warranted.