Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Ann Plast Surg 2018 Sep 26. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN.

Facial expressions play a fundamental role in interpersonal communication and interaction; consequently, facial palsy has profound effects on the quality of life of patients. Reanimation of lower lip depressors is rarely addressed during facial reanimation but is as important as treating the eye sphincter and the lip levators. Depressors of lower lip are vital for full denture smile and the expression of facial emotions. Read More

Br Dent J 2018 Sep 21;225(6):497-501. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

TMD Clinic Manchester University Dental School, Manchester, M15 6FH.

Bruxism is characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth due to contraction of the masseter, temporalis and other jaw muscles. Bruxism may lead to masticatory muscle hypertrophy, tooth surface loss, fracture of restorations or teeth, hypersensitive or painful teeth and loss of periodontal support. Sleep bruxism has previously been viewed as a dysfunctional movement or pathological condition, whereas it is now accepted as a centrally controlled condition with various systemic risk factors. Read More

Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2018 Sep 13. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Health Sciences Department, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.

Background And Objective: A wide range of adjunct therapies after botulinum toxin administration have been proposed. The aim of the present paper is to provide an overview of major writings dealing with adjuvant (non-pharmacological) treatments associated with botulinum toxin for managing spasticity in order to provide some up-to-date information about the usefulness of the most commonly used procedures.

Methods: The literature in PubMed was searched with the MeSH terms botulinum toxins, muscle spasticity, physical therapy modalities, and rehabilitation. Read More

Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018 10 10;18(10):1005-1013. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

a Department of Urogynaecology , King's College Hospital , London , United Kingdom.

Introduction: Overactive bladder is a common condition that can have a negative impact on quality of life. Botulinum Toxin A is a third line treatment for overactive bladder following conservative measures and anticholinergic medication. At present, OnabotulinumtoxinA is the only preparation licensed for this indication. Read More

J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018 Nov 17;33(11):1829-1833. Epub 2018 Jun 17.

Bar Ilan Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Galilee Medical Center, Naharia, Israel.

Gastroparesis is a debilitating progressive disease that significantly impacts a patient's life with limited and challenging treatments available. Although the pathogenesis is multifactorial, pylorospasm is believed to have a major underlying role. Several therapeutic interventions directed to the pylorus have been developed over the last decade, including intra-pyloric injections of botulinum toxin, transpyloric stenting, and surgical pyloroplasty. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2018 May 18;10(5). Epub 2018 May 18.

Ipsen Innovation, 5 Avenue du Canada, 91940 Les Ulis, France.

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a major therapeutic agent that is licensed in neurological indications, such as dystonia and spasticity. The BoNT family, which is produced in nature by clostridial bacteria, comprises several pharmacologically distinct proteins with distinct properties. In this review, we present an overview of the current therapeutic landscape and explore the diversity of BoNT proteins as future therapeutics. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 May 7;19(5). Epub 2018 May 7.

Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, Gertrudenstraße 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most frequent neurodegenerative disorders. Its main pathophysiological characteristic is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta followed by a lack of striatal dopaminergic input and a consequent disinhibition of tonically active cholinergic interneurons. The resulting striatal hypercholinism causes major motor symptoms in PD. Read More

Front Surg 2018 26;5:11. Epub 2018 Feb 26.

Ghent University Hospital, Department of General and HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Ghent, Belgium.

Management of a patient with an open abdomen is difficult, and the primary closure of the fascial edges is essential to obtain the best patient outcome, regardless of the initial etiology of the open abdomen. The use of temporary abdominal closure devices is nowadays the gold standard to have the highest closure rates with mesh-mediated fascial traction as the proposed standard of care. However, the incidence of incisional hernias, although much more controlled than when leaving an abdomen open, is high and reaches up to 65%. Read More

Neurol India 2018 Mar-Apr;66(Supplement):S48-S58

Department of Neurology, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, University College of London Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.

Dystonia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder characterized by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that cause abnormal repetitive movements, abnormal postures, or both. The new consensus classifies dystonia into two axes to characterize clinical characteristics, and etiology. This system allows correct identification of isolated and combined forms of dystonia and retains the description of generalized and focal dystonia which is very useful in planning investigations and management. Read More

Drugs 2018 04;78(5):525-541

Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge, Suite 9A, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) encompasses the spectrum of iatrogenic hyperkinetic movement disorders following exposure to dopamine receptor-blocking agents (DRBAs). Despite the advent of atypical or second- and third-generation antipsychotics with a presumably lower risk of complications, TD remains a persistent and challenging problem. Prevention is the first step in mitigating the risk of TD, but early recognition, gradual withdrawal of offending medications, and appropriate treatment are also critical. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2017 Dec;66(suppl_1):S92-S94

Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

From 1976 to 2016, neurotoxigenic Clostridium baratii type F caused 18 (<0.5%) reported US infant botulism cases. Six cases occurred during 2012-2013; no common source was identified. Read More

Indian J Pediatr 2018 Nov 20;85(11):1006-1016. Epub 2017 Nov 20.

Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by abnormalities of muscle tone, movement and motor skills, and is attributed to injury to the developing brain. The clinical features of this entity evolve over time and the specific CP syndrome may be recognizable only after 3-5 y of age; although suggestive signs and symptoms may be present at an earlier age. The management involves neurological rehabilitation (addressing muscle tonal abnormalities, and devising physical and occupational therapies) and diagnosis and management of co-morbidities (including epilepsy, impairment of cognition, vision, hearing, and disturbances of growth and gastrointestinal function). Read More

Biomed Res Int 2017 13;2017:8905637. Epub 2017 Sep 13.

The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.

A better understanding of the neural substrates that underlie motor recovery after stroke has led to the development of innovative rehabilitation strategies and tools that incorporate key elements of motor skill relearning, that is, intensive motor training involving goal-oriented repeated movements. Robotic devices for the upper limb are increasingly used in rehabilitation. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these devices in reducing motor impairments, but less so for the improvement of upper limb function. Read More

HNO 2017 Oct;65(10):859-870

Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, Klinik für Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland.

During recent decades, the clinical use of botulinum toxin has become increasingly well established. In the field of otorhinolaryngology there are many indications for which botulinum toxin can improve patients' quality of life. These include applications in the region of the head and neck muscles and the autonomic nervous system in patients suffering from movement disorders of special muscles and secretory disorders (salivary, lacrimal, and sweat glands). Read More

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2017 Sep 29;142(17):1304-1312. Epub 2017 Aug 29.

Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Infektionsepidemiologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, AöR.

 Botulism is a rare, life-threatening, time-critical neuroparalytic disease that is frequently a subject of differential diagnostic considerations. But there is much uncertainty regarding diagnosis and therapy. Rapid diagnosis, early antitoxin dose, consistent food hygiene and the sensitization of the population can help to reduce incidence, morbidity and mortality. Read More

Drugs 2017 Sep;77(13):1413-1422

Complex Structure of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.

Spasticity with muscle paresis and loss of dexterity is a common feature of upper motor neuron syndrome due to injuries or the pyramidal tract in several neurological conditions. Botulinum toxin type A has been considered the gold standard treatment for spasticity and movement disorders, with efficacy, reversibility, and low prevalence of complications. During the last 30 years, thousands of studies of its use have been performed, but few guidelines are available. Read More

Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2017 Jul 15;47(7):161-166. Epub 2017 Jul 15.

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Children׳s National Health System, Washington, DC.

Hypertonia is the abnormal increase in muscle tone as a result of upper motor neuron lesions. There are three following clinical types: spasticity, dystonia, and rigidity. Management of hypertonia is individualized and should be directed by the patient and/or family׳s goals of care as well as the underlying cause of the hypertonia. Read More

Int Neurourol J 2017 Jun 21;21(2):97-101. Epub 2017 Jun 21.

Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA.

New drug development is a high-risk venture, but if successful, will bring great revenues to those willing to accept the risk. In the field of urology, in particular for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), the recent successful landing of drugs (e.g. Read More

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017 Aug;25(4):265-272

Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.

Purpose Of Review: To provide an overview of the treatment options for nonflaccid facial paralysis including physical rehabilitation, botulinum toxin injection and surgical intervention. To also describe recent technique advances regarding facial synkinesis in each zone of facial movement.

Recent Findings: Physical therapy and neuromodulation with botulinum toxin continues to be the main treatment strategy for facial synkinesis. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 01 23;128(1):177-183. Epub 2017 May 23.

Department of Neurology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, U.S.A.

Objective: Our ability to speak is complex, and the role of the central nervous system in controlling speech production is often overlooked in the field of otolaryngology. In this brief review, we present an integrated overview of speech production with a focus on the role of central nervous system. The role of central control of voice production is then further discussed in relation to the potential pathophysiology of spasmodic dysphonia (SD). Read More

Transl Androl Urol 2017 Apr;6(2):234-251

Department of Urology, Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.

The use of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has expanded across a range of lower urinary tract conditions. This review provides an overview of the current indications for BoNT-A in the lower urinary tract and critically evaluates the published evidence within each area. The classic application of BoNT-A has been in the management of refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and overactive bladder (OAB). Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Jun;76(6):1027-1042

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. Electronic address:

The use of neuromodulators for therapeutic and cosmetic indications has proven to be remarkably safe. While aesthetic and functional adverse events are uncommon, each anatomic region has its own set of risks of which the physician and patient must be aware before treatment. The therapeutic usages of botulinum toxins now include multiple specialties and multiple indications. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Jun;76(6):1013-1024

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. Electronic address:

Botulinum toxin is a potentially deadly anaerobic bacterial toxin that acts by inhibiting release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby inhibiting contraction of the exposed striated muscle. There are currently 4 botulinum toxin preparations approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): onabotulinumtoxin, abobotulinumtoxin, incobotulinumtoxin and rimabotulinumtoxin. While significant overlap exists, each product has unique properties and specifications, including dosing, diffusion, and storage. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2017 01 18;9(1). Epub 2017 Jan 18.

Institute of Food Research, Norwich NR4 7UA, UK.

Botulinum neurotoxins are diverse proteins. They are currently represented by at least seven serotypes and more than 40 subtypes. New clostridial strains that produce novel neurotoxin variants are being identified with increasing frequency, which presents challenges when organizing the nomenclature surrounding these neurotoxins. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 01 10;1:CD011776. Epub 2017 Jan 10.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Poplar Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3052.

Background: Motor neuron disease (MND), which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), causes a wide range of symptoms but the evidence base for the effectiveness of the symptomatic treatment therapies is limited.

Objectives: To summarise the evidence from Cochrane Systematic Reviews of all symptomatic treatments for MND.

Methods: We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) on 15 November 2016 for systematic reviews of symptomatic treatments for MND. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2017 Feb;18(1):87-96

Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Ezralow Tower 5301, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.

The proportion of men receiving non-surgical cosmetic procedures has risen substantially in recent years. Various physiologic, anatomic, and motivational considerations differentiate the treatments for male and female patients. Nevertheless, research regarding approaches to the male cosmetic patient is scarce. Read More

Prog Urol 2017 Jan 14;27(1):3-9. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Service d'urologie et de transplantation rénale, hôpital universitaire la Pitié-Salpêtrière, faculté de médecine Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, université Paris 6, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75013 Paris, France.

Introduction: To provide an overview of the urological management of spinal cord injured patients based on an economic analysis.

Materials And Methods: A literature search from January 1994 to December 2014 was performed using Medline and Embase database using the following keywords: cost-effectiveness; cost-benefit; cost-utility; spinal cord injury; neurogenic bladder; intermittent catheterization; antimuscarinics; botulinum toxin; sacral neuromodulation; tibial nerve; Brindley; sphincterotomy. The tool used for comparison was the QALY ("quality adjusted life years"); an indicator between 0 and 1 allowing the comparison between two medical treatments using cost per QALY. Read More

Nervenarzt 2017 Apr;88(4):408-414

Universitätsklinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Klinische Abteilung für Spezielle Anästhesiologie, Schmerz- und Intensivmedizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036, Graz, Österreich.

Background: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), a toxin of the anaerobic spore-forming bacterium Clostridium botulinum is used as a drug for alleviating muscle spasticity. Other indications include the cosmetic application in facial muscles, hyperhidrosis and neurogenic bladder disorders. It has been approved since 2010 as the first prophylactic treatment for chronic migraine. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2017 Feb;25(1):15-24

Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 925 Chestnut Street, 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.

This article provides an overview of scar management within the forehead region. It addresses the unique challenges specific to the treatment of forehead wounds. A logical, stepwise approach is used. Read More

Curr Opin Urol 2017 01;27(1):14-19

Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview about the applicability of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in paediatric neurogenic bladder based on the recently published literature combined with hypothetical notes and future perspectives.

Recent Findings: The indications, clinical outcomes, urodynamic outcome parameters and cost-effectiveness are presented from recent publications. Also, alternative routes of application of BTX-A in the bladder are discussed as well as the influence of BTX-A on conservative and invasive treatment. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2016 08;138(2):378e-80e

Division of Plastic Surgery Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil.

Clin Plast Surg 2016 Jul 4;43(3):459-71. Epub 2016 May 4.

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address:

Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) can be used for facial aesthetics. The 3 currently available BTA types include onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox; Botox Cosmetic, Allergan, Irvine, CA), abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport; Ipsen, Ltd, Berkshire, UK), and incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin; Merz Pharmaceuticals, Frankfurt, Germany). The mechanism of action and clinical uses for treatment of dynamic lines of the forehead, brow, glabella, lateral orbit, nose, and lips are presented, as well as treatment of masseter hypertrophy, platysmal bands, and improvements of the perioral region. Read More

Clin Podiatr Med Surg 2016 Jul 26;33(3):441-51. Epub 2016 Mar 26.

Department of Podiatric Medicine, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 North 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Electronic address:

Plantar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating on the soles of feet, can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life and emotional well-being. Hyperhidrosis is divided into primary and secondary categories, depending on the cause of the sweating, with plantar hyperhidrosis typically being primary and idiopathic. There is an overall increased risk of cutaneous infection in the presence of hyperhidrosis, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Read More

Anaerobe 2016 Aug 27;40:28-30. Epub 2016 Apr 27.

Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. Electronic address:

The reasons that gave rise to the controversy over the serological method (SerM) and genetics regarding the identification of an alleged novel botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), type H, have been concisely examined. This discussion will remain opened inasmuch as the SerM is not performed according to the recommended procedures outlined in this overview and thoroughly discussed on previous publications. If correctly performed and interpreted, the SerM will keep its preeminence in the identification, typing and taxonomy of BoNTs. Read More

J Endourol 2016 07 23;30(7):744-53. Epub 2016 May 23.

1 Division of Urology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School , New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Purpose: Ureteral stent-related pain is a well-known side effect of stent placement. To date, there is a paucity of resources that address this topic. Herein, we present theories on stent pain pathophysiology, summarize available pain outcome data for different stent designs, and provide an overview of the management of stent pain, including preplacement modifiers, medical management, and other considerations. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2016 May;24(2):145-52

Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1755 South Grand Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63104, USA.

Numerous nonsurgical options for periorbital rejuvenation are available and can be used alone or as adjuncts to other nonsurgical and surgical options. Topicals, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermabrasion therapy, along with neuromodulators and fillers, can be used to enhance the appearance of the periorbital region. Read More

Biomater Sci 2016 Jul;4(8):1142-60

Laboratory of Biotransformation, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, CZ 14220 Prague 4, Czech Republic.

Lectins, a distinct group of glycan-binding proteins, play a prominent role in the immune system ranging from pathogen recognition and tuning of inflammation to cell adhesion or cellular signalling. The possibilities of their detailed study expanded along with the rapid development of biomaterials in the last decade. The immense knowledge of all aspects of glycan-lectin interactions both in vitro and in vivo may be efficiently used in bioimaging, targeted drug delivery, diagnostic and analytic biological methods. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2016 08;138(2):376e-8e

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery University Hospitals of Lille Lille, France.

Neurourol Urodyn 2016 Feb;35(2):293-8

Department of Urology, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Aims: The use of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) is commonplace now in the management of refractory overactive bladder and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Despite one formulation now having a license, the full mechanism of action is not fully understood. Furthermore practice varies worldwide in the way the toxin is delivered to the bladder. Read More

Semin Plast Surg 2016 Feb;30(1):5-13

Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Allambie Heights, Australia.

The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides an ideal framework within which to conceptualize grading and quantification of upper extremity function for children with spasticity. In this article the authors provide an overview of assessments and classification tools used to (1) understand upper extremity function associated with spasticity and the factors that contribute to dysfunction, (2) guide the selection of appropriate interventions, (3) identify specific muscles to target using surgical interventions and botulinum toxin-A injections, and (4) measure the outcomes of upper extremity interventions. Assessments of upper extremity function are briefly described and categorized as to whether they (1) measure children's best ability or actual performance in daily life, (2) are clinician administered or are a child/proxy report, (3) assist in planning intervention and/or measuring outcomes, and (4) evaluate unimanual or bimanual ability. Read More

BMJ Clin Evid 2016 Feb 5;2016. Epub 2016 Feb 5.

The Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool, UK.

Introduction: Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is a disorder that evolves from episodic tension-type headache, with daily, or very frequent, episodes of headache lasting hours or they may be continuous. It affects up to 4% of the general population, and is more prevalent in women (up to 65% of cases).

Methods And Outcomes: We conducted a systematic overview, aiming to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of drug treatments for CTTH? What are the effects of non-drug treatments for CTTH? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to December 2013 (Clinical Evidence overviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this overview). Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2016 Sep;77(3):318-23

From the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, "Campus Bio-Medico di Roma" University, Rome, Italy.

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is a transient digital ischemia that occurs after exposure to cold temperature or emotional distress. It presents with a triphasic course: the initial white phase is followed by cyanotic discoloration and, subsequently, erythema. The attacks may be associated with pain, paresthesia, and complicate with nonhealing ulceration often leading to amputation. Read More

Cranio 2015 Oct 29;33(4):291-8. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Yeditepe University , Istanbul, Turkey.

Aims: Botulinum toxin, the most potent biological toxin, has been shown to be effective for a variety of disorders in several medical conditions, when used both therapeutically and cosmetically. In recent years, there has been a rising trend in the use of this pharmacological agent to control bruxing activity, despite its reported adverse effects. The aim of this review was to provide a brief overview to clarify the underlying essential ideas for the use of botulinum toxin in bruxism based on available scientific papers. Read More

BMJ Clin Evid 2015 Dec 15;2015. Epub 2015 Dec 15.

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, US.

Introduction: Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in the world, with prevalence in the general population of 0.4% to 3.9%. Read More

Cephalalgia 2016 Oct 19;36(12):1103-1111. Epub 2016 Jul 19.

3 "Sapienza" University of Rome Polo Pontino, Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Italy.

Background Migraine is the most prevalent neurological disorder worldwide and ranked sixth among all diseases in years lived with disability. Overall preventive anti-migraine therapies have an effect in one patient out of two at the most, many of them being endowed with disabling adverse effects. No new disease-modifying drugs have come into clinical practice since the application to migraine of topiramate and botulinum toxin, the latter for its chronic form. Read More

Med Clin North Am 2016 Jan 27;100(1):65-79. Epub 2015 Oct 27.

Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA. Electronic address:

Patients with chronic pain can be challenging to manage and historically providers have relied on opiates to treat pain. Recent studies have brought into question the safety and efficacy of chronic opiate therapy in the noncancer population. There is a vast amount of literature to support the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, topical agents, cannabinoids, and botulinum toxin either in conjunction with or in lieu of opioids. Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg 2015 Dec;136(6):1289-98

São Paulo and Santo André, Brazil From the Plastic Surgery Division, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo; and Faculdade de Medicina do ABC.

Background: Patients with longstanding facial paralysis often exhibit synkinesis. Few reports describe the prevalence and factors related to the development of synkinesis after facial paralysis. Botulinum toxin type A injection is an important adjunct treatment for facial paralysis-induced asymmetry and synkinesis. Read More

Toxicon 2015 Dec 30;107(Pt A):129-40. Epub 2015 Aug 30.

Institute of Neurology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.

Introduction And Objectives: In recent years, Botulinum Toxin has been shown to be efficacious and safe in the treatment of sialorrhea, but scanty data are available on its long term use. The aim of this study was to investigate adverse events, discriminate differences in safety, and evaluate the efficacy of long-term use of both abobotulinumtoxinA and rimabotulinumtoxinB ultrasound-guided injections for sialorrhea in a retrospective trial. Moreover we review the literature on this topic. Read More

Prog Urol 2015 Dec 28;25(17):1219-24. Epub 2015 Aug 28.

Département d'urologie, transplantation rénale et andrologie, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France.

Objective: There is currently no guideline regarding the management of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) refractory to intra-detrusor botulinum toxin injections. The primary objective of the present study was to find a consensus definition of failure of botulinum toxin intra-detrusor injections for NDO. The secondary objective was to report current trends in the managment of NDO refractory to botulinum toxin. Read More

Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2015 Oct 11;73(10):877-84. Epub 2015 Aug 11.

Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, BR.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients may develop side effects from centrally acting drugs, have contraindications for neurosurgical procedures, or experience relapse during conventional therapies. OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT/A) has been reported to be effective for TN, although this finding has been challenged. An overview of the available evidence based on a narrative/qualitative analysis of the literature is presented. Read More