On : Fri, 25 Apr 1997 13:42:09 -0400
John von Oesen <johnvon at ibm.net> wrote
I need information about botox injections for spasticity due to a SCI.
Any additional information would be great. Thanks johnvon at ibm.net
Botulinum neurotoxins are incredibly potent neurotoxins that work by
inhibiting the release of acetycholine at the neuromuscular junction
and thus act as muscle relaxants.
Their clinical use is mostly for small muscle focal dystonias,
specially those muscles around the eye. The problem with larger
muscles is that the amounts of toxin that need to be injected may
be sufficient to provoke an eventual immune response that will
prevent ongoing treatment from being effective.
There are two principal companies that market botulinum neurotoxin:
Allergan as 'Botox'
Speywood Pharmaceuticals as 'Dysport' (not available in USA as
Allergan have monopoly under Orphan Drugs Act).
Hope this helps, further information may be available if you have
specific questions.
By the way what is an SCI?
Michael J. Duggan,
Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research,
Porton Down,
Salisbury,
Wiltshire,
SP4 0JG,
UK
michael.duggan at camr.org.uk
Tel 01980 612733
Fax 01981 612100
