[Focal dystonias and facial hemispasm: treatment with botulinum A toxin]

We report the results of the treatment of 80 patients with various idiopathic focal dystonia and essential hemifacial spasm with Botulinum A toxin. A statistically significant improvement was obtained in our 34 patients with blepharospasm, 19 patients with hemifacial spasm, 59% of 22 patients with cervical dystonia and 60% of 5 patients with hand dystonia. Mean duration of the benefit of each injection was 15.3, 16.3, 7.6 and 8.7 weeks respectively. Adverse effects were local and transient. We concluded that botulinum A toxin is a safe and effective therapy for patients with focal dystonia and hemifacial spasm.