| Abstract: | Idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD) is the most common adult-onset focal dystonia. It is characterised by relatively sustained, involuntary contractions of neck muscles. Injections of botulinum toxin (BTX)-A are safe and effective for the treatment of ICD, and have substantially improved its treatment. BTX-A is manufactured by Allergan Pharmaceuticals in the US and Ireland, and is distributed as Botox®. In Europe, BTX-A is manufactured and distributed by Ipsen Pharmaceuticals as Dysport®. Success rates for BTX-A injections for ICD ranges 64 – 90%, with 76 – 93% of injected patients experiencing pain reduction. Side effects are generally mild and include dysphagia and neck weakness. |
