Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can offer a symptomatic reprieve for patients who have Parkinson’s disease with focal motor movements, essential tremor, or dystonia. The American Academy of Neurology published new physician guidelines on using BTX for treating stroke, spinal cord or other neurologic injuries; cervical dystonia, a disorder of the brain affecting neck muscle control that causes involuntary head tilt or neck movement; blepharospasm, a movement disorder that causes the eyes to close uncontrollably; and chronic and episodic migraine. The drug works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, so in the case of involuntary muscle movement disorders, it completely stops contractions.
BTX blocks nerve endings from releasing a substance that trigger muscle movement and pain signaling. For patients with Parkinson’s disease, it can help with the abnormal posturing of the foot and toes…
