Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Movement Disorders

This article is an evidence-based review of clinical trials that assessed the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in treating movement disorders. (For a discussion of a related evidence-based review of botulinum toxin for spasticity, see JW Neurol Jul 8 2008.) The authors conducted a literature search for articles that detailed the therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin treatment on specific movement disorders. They identified and reviewed data on treatment of blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia, focal arm dystonia, laryngeal dystonia, motor tics, and essential tremor of the hand. The authors provide the following conclusions:

(1) Botulinum toxin is safe and effective for the treatment of cervical dystonia and should be offered as…