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Botulinum toxin

From a poison to a drug

Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring bacterial toxin which is produced by the spore-forming organism Clostridium botulinum under anerobic conditions (with air excluded) and can, even in very small quantities, produce the form of poisoning known as botulism. Nowadays, the neurotoxin which for a long time was known only as a poison is used in a very dilute concentration for the alleviation of muscular tension and is the treatment of choice for focal dystonia.

The therapeutic successes achieved with Botulinum toxin include not only the improvement of motor function and making it easier to perform everyday tasks; the treatment also prevents dreaded complications such as permanent contracture. Treatment with the highly effective toxin is virtually free of side effects.

Action mechanism of Botulinum toxin

After injection into the tensed muscle, muscular hyperactivity is reduced; the muscle relaxes in a targeted and controllable manner. The action mechanism consists in the Botulinum toxin inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the motor endplate, the point of contact between nerve and muscle. This blocks the conduction of signals from the nerve to the muscle. The full effect is achieved within about 10 days and persists for about three months. Thereafter signal transmission is resumed through regeneration of the motor endplate, which is why treatment with injections of Botulinum toxin needs to be repeated at regular intervals.

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Dystonia at work

• Those affected often have acceptance problems

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