Botulinum toxin type A in simple motor tics: Short-term and long-term treatment-effects

Rath, Judith J.G.; Tavy, Dénes L.J.; Wertenbroek, Agnes A.A.C.M.; van Woerkom, Theodoor C.A.M.; de Bruijn, Sebastiaan F.T.M.

doi:10.1016/j.parkreldis.2009.11.011

« Previous Next »Parkinsonism & Related Disorders
Volume 16, Issue 7 , Pages 478-481, August 2010

Botulinum toxin type A in simple motor tics: Short-term and long-term treatment-effects☆

Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Haga Hospital, Leyweg 275, 2545 CH, The Hague, The Netherlands

Received 21 May 2009; received in revised form 3 November 2009; accepted 23 November 2009.

Abstract

To determine the short-term and long-term treatment-effects of botulinum toxin type A in simple motor tics, we analyzed 15 consecutive patients (18 tics) with simple motor tics that were treated every 3 months with injections of BTX-A. Efficacy (rated on a 4-level scale) and duration of effect of the first 2 and last 2 (if treated 5 times or more) treatments were recorded, as well as latency of response, changes of premonitory urges (PMUs) and possible side effects.

Total number of treatments for each tic varied from 2 to 50 (mean 11, median 6). In 16 of 18 tics (89%) short-term efficacy was reported successful (good or moderate). Long-term efficacy was reported in 12 tics of which 11 showed similar or even increased beneficial effects. Premonitory urge (PMU) was reported in 8 patients (53%). PMU, if present, lessened or disappeared after treatment with BTX-A. A permanent remission of the treated tic was seen in 3 patients with a maximum follow-up of 10 years.

BTX-A appears a safe and effective treatment for simple motor tics and retains its efficacy after long-term treatment. BTX may also induce permanent remission of the treated tics and effects of BTX are not restricted to merely motor behaviour.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin, Tics, Efficacy, Premonitory urge, Long-term