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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea

Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea

Published on: November 9, 2016

Botulinum toxin improves dysphagia associated with multiple sclerosis.

D A Restivo¹, R Marchese-Ragona, F Patti

¹Department of Neurology, Nuovo Garibaldi Hospital, Catania, Italy. darestivo@libero.it

European Journal of Neurology

|August 25, 2010

Summary

Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) injections improved swallowing in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with severe dysphagia. This treatment shows promise for MS-related swallowing difficulties.

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Published on: December 1, 2023

Area of Science:

Neurology
Gastroenterology
Otolaryngology

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause severe oro-pharyngeal dysphagia.
Dysphagia in MS is often linked to upper esophageal sphincter (UES) hyperactivity.
Current treatments for MS-related dysphagia are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the effectiveness of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) for treating severe oro-pharyngeal dysphagia in MS patients.
To investigate BoNT/A's impact on swallowing function and safety in this population.

Main Methods:

Fourteen MS patients with dysphagia received percutaneous BoNT/A injections into the cricopharyngeal muscle under electromyographic guidance.
Swallowing outcomes were evaluated using videofluoroscopic and electromyographic examinations, and the Penetration/Aspiration Scale (PAS).
Assessments were conducted at multiple time points up to 24 weeks post-injection.

Main Results:

All patients experienced significant improvements in all measured swallowing outcomes.
No adverse events were reported, indicating a favorable safety profile.

Conclusions:

BoNT/A injections represent a potential therapeutic option for MS patients suffering from dysphagia.
This treatment specifically addresses UES hyperactivity contributing to swallowing difficulties in MS.
Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and establish optimal treatment protocols.