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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:05
Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea
Published on: November 9, 2016
[Local botulinum toxin A for treating chronic sialorrhea]
E Krause1, K Bötzel, R de la Chaux
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, München, Deutschland. Eike.Krause@med.uni-muenchen.de
HNO
|August 23, 2008
Summary
Botulinum toxin A injections effectively treat chronic sialorrhea, reducing drooling without causing lasting side effects. This safe and reversible therapy improves quality of life for patients with persistent salivary issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sialorrhea and drooling significantly impair communication, nutrition, hygiene, and social interactions.
- Existing treatments like swallowing therapy, medications, surgery, and irradiation often yield insufficient results or cause adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sonography-guided botulinum toxin A injections for therapy-resistant chronic sialorrhea.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with various etiologies of therapy-resistant sialorrhea received bilateral botulinum toxin A injections into salivary glands.
- Treatment success was assessed using symptom scores, and glandular tissue size was measured sonographically before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- All ten patients experienced significant reduction in sialorrhea, indicating therapeutic benefit.
- The therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin A lasted between 6 and 28 weeks.
- Transient xerostomia was observed in one patient; no sonographically detectable morphologic changes occurred.
Conclusions:
- Botulinum toxin A is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic sialorrhea.
- The therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin A are reversible and do not lead to detectable structural changes in salivary glands.
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