Medknow Publications on behalf of the Neurological Society of India
Abstract
Botulinum toxins are, as a group, among the most potent neuromuscular
toxins known, yet they are clinically useful in the management of
conditions associated with muscular and glandular over-activity.
Botulinum toxins act by preventing release of acetylcholine into the
neuromuscular junction. While botulinum toxin type A is commonly
available, different manufacturers produce specific products, which are
not directly interchangeable and should not be considered as
generically equivalent formulations. Type B is also available in the
market. Each formulation of botulinum toxin is unique with distinct
dosing, efficacy and safety profiles for each use to which it is
applied. Botulinum toxin type A is the treatment of choice based on its
depth of evidence in dystonias and most other conditions. Botulinum
toxin type A is established as useful in the management of spasticity,
tremors, headache prophylaxis and several other neurological
conditions. Active research is underway to determine the parameters for
which the type B toxin can be used in these conditions, as covered in
this review. Botulinum toxin use has spread to several fields of
medicine