Botulinum toxin type a in the treatment of children with congenital muscular torticollis

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2005 Oct;84(10):813-6. doi: 10.1097/01.phm.0000179516.45373.c4.

Abstract

This is a retrospective case series describing the use of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of children with congenital muscular torticollis who fail to progress with conservative management. A total of 27 children with congenital muscular torticollis, 6-18 mos of age, received 30 botulinum toxin type A injections into their sternocleidomastoid or upper trapezius muscle, or both, at a pediatric tertiary care center between 1995 and 2001. Three children received repeat injections. Twenty of 27 children (74%) had improved cervical rotation or head tilt after the injections, and 2 of 27 (7%) experienced transient adverse events, specifically, mild dysphagia and neck weakness. This series suggests that botulinum toxin type A may be a safe and effective treatment option for children with congenital muscular torticollis who are unresponsive to a traditional regimen of physical therapy and a home program. A prospective, randomized controlled trial is necessary to definitively assess the role of botulinum toxin type A in this population.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Recovery of Function
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Torticollis / congenital*
  • Torticollis / diagnosis
  • Torticollis / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A