Ultrasound and Electromyography as Guidance Tools for the Botulinum Toxin Therapy in Cervical Dystonia

Abstract

Cervical Dystonia (CD) is the most common type of focal dystonia in the movement disorders units of any specialized hospital around the world. Botulinum Toxin (BT) infiltration is the treatment of choice for CD, according to most of the experts around the world, however the efficacy and tolerance of BT therapy in CD depend on the accuracy when BT is released into the muscles. We reviewed the medical literature in regard to the use of guiding tools for the BT infiltration in CD patients. Results: The use of guiding tools such as Ultrasound or EMG definitely improves the accuracy for releasing the BT into the muscles involved according to some authors. Conclusion: the use of Ultrasound and EMG improves the efficacy and reduce the adverse effects in the BT therapy in CD patients.