Injections of botulinum toxin A into the salivary glands improve sialorrhoea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2000 Jul;69(1):121-3. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.69.1.121.

Abstract

Sialorrhoea is a socially disabling problem in bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) was injected into the salivary glands in five patients with bulbar ALS and sialorrhoea. The effect of BoNT/A was measured by the number of paper handkerchiefs used each day and by salivary gland scintigraphy. BoNT/A ameliorated sialorrhoea and quality of life without major adverse effects. BoNT/A may be a relatively safe and effective treatment for sialorrhoea in selected patients.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parotid Gland / drug effects*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sialorrhea / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A