Facial phantom model: a low-cost and safe tool for teaching botulinum toxin application in neurology residencies / Modelo de manequim facial: uma ferramenta segura e de baixo custo para o ensino da aplicação de toxina botulínica nas residências em neurologia

Abstract Background The application of botulinum toxin (BoNT) in the treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm (HS) is a well-established practice. However, neurology residency programs often rely on real patients for training, which has limitations in terms of patient availability and skill acquisition. Objective Assess the efficacy of a new facial phantom model for acquiring motor skills in BoNT application. Methods An anthropomorphic facial phantom model was developed in collaboration with a medical training simulator start-up. A group of seven neurologists and one ophthalmologist with expertise in BoNT application evaluated the model using an adapted learning object review instrument (LORI). The instrument assessed aspects such as: content quality, alignment of learning objectives, feedback and adaptation, motivation, presentation design, and accessibility. Results The facial phantom model received high scores in the LORI evaluation, with the highest ratings given to alignment with learning objectives and motivation. The model also scored well in terms of accessibility, content quality, and presentation design. However, feedback and adaptation received a lower score due to the static nature of the model. Conclusion The facial phantom model shows promise as a valuable tool for teaching and developing competence in BoNT application for HS and blepharospasm. The model reduces the reliance on real patients for training, providing a broader and safer learning experience for neurology residents. It also provides a realistic learning experience and offers portability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing for use in various medical training scenarios. It is an effective and accessible tool for teaching BoNT application.

Resumo Antecedentes A aplicação de toxina botulínica (TxB) no tratamento do blefaroespasmo e do espasmo hemifacial (EH) é uma prática bem estabelecida. No entanto, os programas de residência em neurologia frequentemente dependem de pacientes reais para treinamento, o que apresenta limitações em termos de disponibilidade de pacientes e aquisição de habilidades. Objetivo Avaliar a eficácia de um novo modelo de manequim facial para aquisição de habilidades motoras na aplicação de TxB. Métodos Foi desenvolvido um modelo antropomórfico de manequim facial em coloboração com uma empresa de simuladores de treinamento médico. Um grupo constituído por sete neurologistas e um oftalmologista com experiência em aplicação de TxB avaliou o modelo utilizando um instrumento adaptado de revisão de objeto de aprendizagem (LORI). O instrumento analisou aspectos como: qualidade do conteúdo, alinhamento dos objetivos de aprendizagem, feedback e adaptação, motivação, concepção da apresentação e acessibilidade. Resultados O modelo de manequim facial obteve pontuações altas na avaliação do LORI com os maiores escores em alinhamento com os objetivos de aprendizagem e motivação. O modelo também obteve boas pontuações em termos de acessibilidade, qualidade do conteúdo e concepção da apresentação. No entanto, o item feedback e adaptação recebeu uma pontuação média mais baixa, devido à natureza estática. Conclusão O modelo manequim facial mostra-se promissor como uma EH e blefaroespasmo. O modelo reduz a dependência de pacientes reais para treinamento portátil, de baixo custo e de fácil fabricação para uso em diversos cenários de treinamento, proporcionando uma experiência de aprendizagem mais ampla e segura para residentes de neurologia. Além disso, fornece uma experiência de aprendizagem realista e oferece portabilidade, economia e facilidade de fabricação para uso em vários cenários de treinamento médico. É uma ferramenta eficaz e acessível para o ensino da aplicação de TxB.

Profile of patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in the two largest ophthalmology reference centers in Brazil / Perfil dos pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial nos dois maiores centros de referência em oftalmologia no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: Information is scarce regarding the comprehensive profile of patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in Brazil. The present study aimed to assess the clinical features of patients with these conditions, followed up in two reference centers in Brazil. Methods: The study included patients with essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, followed up at the Departments of Ophthalmology at Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Universidade de São Paulo. Apart from demographic and clinical features, past stressful events related to the first symptoms (triggering event), aggravating factors, sensory tricks, and other ameliorating factors for the eyelid spasms were assessed. Results: A total of 102 patients were included in this study. Most patients were female (67.7%). Essential blepharospasm was the most frequent movement disorder [51/102 patients (50%)], followed by hemifacial spasm (45%) and Meige's syndrome (5%). In 63.5% of the patients, the onset of the disorder was associated with a past stressful event. Ameliorating factors were reported by 76.5% of patients; 47% of patients reported sensory tricks. In addition, 87% of the patients reported the presence of an aggravating factor for the spasms; stress (51%) was the most frequent. Conclusion: Our study provides information regarding the clinical features of patients treated in the two largest ophthalmology reference centers in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Há poucos dados sobre o perfil de pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar de forma mais abrangente as características clínicas dos pacientes portadores dessas doenças acompanhados em dois centros de referência em oftalmologia no Brasil. Métodos: Pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial, acompanhados nos Departamentos de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo e da Universidade de São Paulo foram incluídos neste estudo. Além dos dados clínicos e demográficos, foram avaliados também a presença de eventos estressantes relacionados ao início dos sintomas (evento desencadeante), fatores agravantes, truques sensoriais, e outros fatores de melhora. Resultados: Cento e dois pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. A maior parte dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (67,7%). Blefaroespasmo essencial foi a condição mais frequente, observada em 51 (50%) dos pacientes. Espasmo hemifacial correspondia a 45% dos casos, enquanto 5% dos pacientes apresentavam a Síndrome de Meige. 63,5% dos pacientes associaram o início dos sintomas com um evento estressante prévio. 76,5% dos pacientes relataram fatores de melhora para os espasmos; 47% relataram truques sensoriais. Além disso, 87% dos pacientes relataram fatores de piora; estresse (51%) foi o mais frequente. Conclusão: Este estudo fornece informações a respeito das características clínicas dos pacientes com blefaroespasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial acompanhados nos dois maiores centros de referência em oftalmologia do Brasil.

Blepharospasm as a tardive manifestation of COVID-19 disease: A case report

We report three cases of blepharospasms developed after a symptomatic COVID-19 infection, in order to describe a possible association between COVID-19 infection and essential blepharospasm. Blepharospasm could represent a late sign of COVID-19 infection (more than four weeks after the contagion) and may be triggered by the neurotropism of the coronavirus.

Advances in the treatment of Meige's syndrome with blepharospasm / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Meige's syndrome is a segmental craniocervical dystonia extrapyramidal disorder, which belongs to a type of adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). The cause is unknown and is commonly seen in middle-aged and elder women, and is often associated with depression, trauma, drugs, surgery and other risk factors. Blepharospasm is the earliest and most common clinical symptom of Meige's syndrome, although there is a possibility of spontaneous remission, the risk of blindness still exists. Clinically, treatment is often delayed and the prognosis is influenced due to insufficient understanding of Meige's syndrome. As the incidence of Meige syndrome increases, particularly blepharospasm in ophthalmology, a comprehensive understanding of Meige's syndrome is needed to improve the ability of ophthalmologists to treat the condition and to guide the appropriate use of clinical medication. In this paper, we review advances in the treatment of Meige's syndrome with blepharospasm and summarize the pros and cons of pharmacotherapy, surgery and traditional Chinese medicine, with a view to improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease by ophthalmologists.

Clinical study of acupuncture plus Dang Gui Bu Xue Qu Feng Tang for benign essential blepharospasm / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture plus Dang Gui Bu Xue Qu Feng Tang for benign essential blepharospasm (BEB). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed. A total of 105 participants were randomized 1:1:1 into an acupuncture group, a herbal medicine group and an acupuncture plus herbal medicine group. Participants in the acupuncture group received manual acupuncture treatment, twice a week. Participants in the herbal medicine group received Dang Gui Bu Xue Qu Feng Tang, oral administration, once a day. Participants in the acupuncture plus herbal medicine group received both treatments. The therapeutic effects of the three groups were evaluated after four weeks of treatment. The primary outcome was the Jankovic rating scale (JRS) score, and the secondary outcome was the blepharospasm disability index (BSDI) score. Results: After four weeks of treatment, the JRS total scores significantly decreased in all three groups versus baseline (P<0.05). A greater reduction in the JRS total score was reported in participants in the acupuncture plus herbal medicine group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the acupuncture group and the herbal medicine group (P>0.05). The acupuncture plus herbal medicine group had a greater decrease in the JRS severity score than the herbal medicine group (P<0.05). The reduction in the JRS frequency score was not significantly different among the three groups (P>0.05). The BSDI scores significantly decreased in all three groups versus baseline (P<0.05), but the reduction in the BSDI score was insignificantly different among the three groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: It is effective in the treatment of BEB either to use acupuncture and Dang Gui Bu Xue Qu Feng Tang alone or in combination. The combination therapy shows a more significant effect than either of the treatment alone.

Efficacy and Safety of Letibotulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Essential Blepharospasm

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BOTULAX® in subjects with essential blepharospasm.METHODS: In this study, a total of 250 subjects with essential blepharospasm were enrolled at 15 investigational sites and a total of 220 subjects completed the study. The efficacy and safety were evaluated at weeks 4 and 16 after treatment compared with baseline. In total, 240 subjects were enrolled, treated with the investigational product, and evaluable for the primary efficacy assessment at week 4 after treatment; these subjects were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. With the ITT set as the main efficacy set, efficacy assessment included Jankovic rating scale (JRS), functional disability score, investigator evaluation of global response and quality of life. Safety assessment including the incidence of adverse events was also performed.RESULTS: In terms of the primary efficacy endpoint (i.e., change in JRS total score at week 4 after treatment from baseline [ITT set]), mean change indicated a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.0001) and demonstrated the non-inferiority of the test drug to similar drugs. In terms of the secondary efficacy endpoints, mean change in JRS total score at week 16 after treatment and mean change in functional disability score at weeks 4 and 16 after treatment both exhibited a statistically significant reduction compared with baseline (p < 0.0001 for all). Among the 249 subjects treated with the investigational product in this study, 44 (17.67%) experienced 76 treatment emergent adverse events but no serious adverse events were observed.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study results, BOTULAX® is considered to be an effective and safe treatment for essential blepharospasm.

Sensory Trick Frames: A New Device for Blepharospasm Patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of unique customized spectacles provided with modified side arms may be helpful in reducing benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) in patients describing periocular sensory tricks (ST). METHODS: A prospective descriptive study of patients with BEB with positive periocular or temporal region ST phenomenon response under the care of the Botox Clinic at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK. Nine consecutive patients with BEB describing ST were recruited, and the disease frequency and severity were assessed with the Jankovic Rating Scale (JRS) and the Blepharospasm Disability Index (BSDI) before and after the use of the sensory trick frames (STF). RESULTS: A reduction in the score was noted in both severity (p = 0.0115) and frequency patterns (p = 0.0117) in the JRS in patients using the STF. A significant reduction of the BSDI score was also observed (p = 0.0314). CONCLUSION: All the patients selected and fitted with the STF had a reduction in spasms and related symptoms. This new device may be helpful in some selected BEB patients who previously responded positively to periocular pressure alleviating maneuvers.

Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Botox and Neuronox in the Management of Benign Essential Blepharospasm: A Split-face Study

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of Botox and Neuronox in the management of benign essential blepharospasm (BEB). METHODS: We performed a triple-masked, randomized control study to compare Botox and Neuronox in 48 eyes of 24 patients with BEB. All 24 patients randomly received Botox or Neuronox in the periorbital region in a masked, randomized split-face manner, keeping the injection sites and doses uniform. The toxin preparation, injection, and clinical evaluations were done by three independent observers. Objective outcome measures included improvement in the severity of spasm, grading of the functional visual status, changes in palpebral fissure height, lagophthalmos, superficial punctate keratitis and Schirmer's test at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and upon conclusion of the effect of the toxin. Subjective outcome measures included duration of the effect and a forced choice stating which half of the face was better. Evaluations were performed through clinical measurements, external digital photography, and high-definition videography. RESULTS: The mean duration of relief from spasms was 3.78 months (standard deviation, 1.58 months; range, 1 to 6 months). The improvement in the objective parameters like severity of spasm and functional visual status was statistically significant at the 2-week and 6-week follow-up visits (p < 0.001). The changes in palpebral fissure height, lagophthalmos, and superficial punctate keratitis were equally observed in both groups. At 2 and 6 weeks, three of 24 (12.5%) and one of 24 (4%) patients, respectively, reported an unequal effect between the two sides of the face, but this difference was not statistically significant. At final follow-up (conclusion of the toxin effect), patients reported equal effect with no preference for either hemiface. No statistically significant differences were found in the comparative analysis between the Neuronox and Botox groups. CONCLUSIONS: Neuronox and Botox are comparable in terms of their safety and efficacy in the management of BEB.

Blepharospasm with elevated anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody titer / Blefaroespasmo com título elevado de anticorpos antirreceptores de acetilcolina

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine whether serum levels of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (anti-AChR-Abs) are related to clinical parameters of blepharospasm (BSP). Methods: Eighty-three adults with BSP, 60 outpatients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) and 58 controls were recruited. Personal history, demographic factors, response to botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) and other neurological conditions were recorded. Anti-AChR-Abs levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The anti-AChR Abs levels were 0.237 ± 0.022 optical density units in the BSP group, which was significantly different from the HFS group (0.160 ± 0.064) and control group (0.126 ± 0.038). The anti-AChR Abs level was correlated with age and the duration of response to the BoNT-A injection. Conclusion: Patients with BSP had an elevated anti-AChR Abs titer, which suggests that dysimmunity plays a role in the onset of BSP. An increased anti-AChR Abs titer may be a predictor for poor response to BoNT-A in BSP.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar se os níveis séricos do anticorpo antirreceptor de acetilcolina (anti-AChR-Abs) estão relacionados aos parâmetros clínicos do blefaroespasmo (BSP). Métodos: Fora recrutados 83 adultos com BSP, 60 pacientes ambulatoriais com espasmo hemifacial (HFS) e 58 controles. Foi aplicado um questionário para registrar história pessoal, fatores demográficos, resposta à toxina botulínica tipo A (BoNT-A) e outras condições neurológicas. Os níveis de anti-AChR-Abs foram quantificados usando um ensaio imunoenzimático. Resultados: O nível de anti-AChR-Abs foi de 0,237 ± 0,022 unidades de densidade óptica (OD) no grupo BSP, significativamente diferente em comparação com o grupo HFS (0,160 ± 0,064) e o grupo controle (0,126 ± 0,038). O nível de anti-AChR-Abs se correlacionou com a idade e a duração da resposta à injeção de BoNT-A. Conclusão: Pacientes com BSP apresentaram títulos elevados de anti-AChR-Abs, o que sugere que a desimunidade desempenha um papel no surgimento de BSP. O aumento do título de anti-AChR-Abs pode ser um preditor de resposta insuficiente à BoNT-A em BSP.

Clinical Features of Benign Essential Blepharospasm in Korean Patients

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical features of benign essential blepharospasm in Korean patients. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with benign essential blepharospasm in Kim's Eye Hospital from November 2014 to December 2016 were evaluated using a clinical examination and questionnaire. The questionnaire reviewed personal medical history, demographic factors, risk factors for blepharospasm development, and relieving and aggravating factors. RESULTS: Of the 101 patients enrolled, 78 (77.2%) were women. The mean age was 64.9 years old. Hypertension was the most common medical disorder (42.6%), followed by diabetes mellitus. The majority of the patients were non-smokers (83.2%) and drank less than a cup of a caffeinated beverage a day (30.7%). Fifty-seven percent of patients reported no stressful events immediately prior to symptom development. Fatigue and stress were aggravating factors in more than 55% of patients; rest was the most common relieving factor (35.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Here, we report the clinical features of benign essential blepharospasm in Korean patients for the first time. The results were consistent with previous reports showing that the majority of benign essential blepharospasm patients are women and non-smokers. In contrast to previous reports though, fatigue and stress were aggravating factors, and the most common relieving factor was rest. No stressful events had immediately preceded the development of blepharospasm in 57.4% of patients. This report may aid in treating and counseling patients with benign essential blepharospasm.

Long-term Efficacy of Botulinum Neurotoxin-A Treatment for Essential Blepharospasm

PURPOSE: In the present study, we investigated the treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes of botulinum neurotoxin-A (BoNT-A) administered for longer than 5 years to patients with essential blepharospasm. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 19 patients (male : female = 8 : 11) diagnosed with essential blepharospasm between March 2006 and July 2016 who underwent BoNT-A injections for over 5 years and were followed. Efficacy of 297 injections of Botox (n = 162), Meditoxin (n = 75), Hugel-tox (n = 40), or Dysport (n = 20) was based on the symptom improvement score at the final injection (−1, worse; 0, same; 1, better). Injection dose (botox unit), duration of efficacy (months), and adverse events were also investigated. RESULTS: Based on product type, significant differences in patient age (59.3 ± 9.8 years), disease period (5.0 ± 5.4 years), number of botulinum neurotoxin injections before visiting our clinic (1.6 ± 2.6), and follow-up period (7.2 ± 1.6 years) were not observed. Treatment efficacy score and injection dose of repetitive injections were 0.1 ± 0.5 and 39.1 ± 4.0 units, respectively, and did not show significant differences with repeated injections. Duration of response was 5.9 ± 5.4 months, but this significantly decreased as the injections were repeated (p < 0.01). Among the 297 injections, adverse events occurred 12 times (4.0%) with no severe sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed that repetitive, long-term BoNT-A injections are considered a stable and effective treatment for essential blepharospasm in terms of consistent injection dose and maintenance of treatment efficacy. However, the duration of long-term efficacy could be decreased in patients injected repetitively.

Uso de la toxina botulínica en pacientes con alteraciones espásticas palpebrales / Use of botulinum toxin in patients with palpebral spastic alterations

Objetivo: evaluar los resultados terapéuticos de la aplicación de toxina botulínica A en pacientes con alteraciones espásticas palpebrales. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo en 18 pacientes con estas afecciones, seleccionados en la consulta de Oculoplastia del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer en el período comprendido entre enero y diciembre del año 2016. Se describió la muestra según la edad, el sexo, el color de la piel, los antecedentes patológicos personales, las afecciones palpebrales y las limitaciones en tareas de la vida diaria. Se evaluó en el posoperatorio el tiempo de desaparición de los síntomas, la duración del efecto de la inyección de toxina botulínica, las complicaciones inmediatas y las mediatas. Resultados: el 70,6 por ciento estuvo comprendido en el rango de edad mayor de 60 años, y el 52,9 por ciento fueron mujeres. La piel blanca constituyó el 58,8 por ciento de la muestra. La afección que se presentó con mayor frecuencia fue el blefaroespasmo (47,1 por ciento). Todos los pacientes presentaron limitaciones para realizar tareas de la vida diaria. El 100 por ciento presentó dolor en el sitio de la inyección. En el 94,1 por ciento de ellos hubo desaparición de los movimientos involuntarios entre el cuarto y el quinto día posterior a la aplicación de xeomeen y en el 88,2 por ciento demoró la reaparición de los síntomas entre cuatro y seis meses. Conclusiones: la toxina botulínica es efectiva en la corrección de las afecciones palpebrales espásticas con desaparición de los síntomas en un período de tiempo entre cuatro y cinco días, con una rápida incorporación del paciente a la vida laboral y social por cuatro a seis meses(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the therapeutic results of the application of toxin botulínica A in patients with palpebral spastic alterations. Methods: an observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was performed on 18 patients with these conditions, who were selected at the Oculoplasty Service of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology in the period from January to December 2016. The analyzed variables were age, sex, race, personal pathological history, eyelid disorders and restricted daily life. In the postoperative period, length of time for symptom relief, duration of the effect of botulinum toxin injection, and immediate and mediate complications were assessed. Results: in the group, 70,6 percent were included in the over 60 y age group and 52,9 percent were women. Caucasians accounted for 58,8 percent of the sample. The most frequent condition was blepharospasm (47,1 percent). All patients had limitations to perform daily life tasks. In 94,1 percent of the patients, involuntary movements disappeared between the 4th and the 5th day after the administration of Xeomeen and in 88,2 percent, the symptoms delayed to appear again from 4 to 6 months. Conclusions: botulinum toxin A is an effective alternative to correct palpebral spastic conditions, with symptoms disappearing in four to five days, and quick reincorporation of the patient to working and social life for 4 to 6 months(AU)

The impact of botulinum toxin on the anxiety and depression in patients with hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To explore anxiety and depression status in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) and benign essential blepharospasm (BEB), and the change after botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) therapy. Methods Ninety idiopathic HFS patients and 90 BEB patients. The anxiety and depression statud was evaluated by using SAS and SDS before and after the injection of BTX-A. Results Before treatment, the SAS and SDS standard scores of the HFS patients were 41.25 ±6.35and 42.25 ±7.57, respectively. The SAS scores were 40.17 ± 8.36 in the male and 43.56 ± 6.10in female(P=0.031). The SDS scores were 40.25 ± 6.46 in the male and 45.48 ± 7.31 in the female(P=0.008). After treatment, the SAS and SDS standard scores were 30.12 ± 4.35(P=0.000)and 30.58 ± 4.89(P=0.000)respectively. There was significant difference inbetween before and after treatment. In BEB patients, before treatment, The SAS standard scores were 58.90±10.61, 58.78±9.89. The SAS of the male and female patients scored 56.45 ± 8.75, 60.89 ± 9.11 (P=0.017), The SDS of the male and female patients scored 57.90 ± 7.93, 60.12 ± 8.35 (P=0.011)respectively. After treatment, the SAS standard score were 38.17 ± 3.67 (P=0.000), and the SDS standard score were 38.12 ± 4.15 (P=0.001)respectively. these two scores were significantly different between before and after treatment. Conclusion HFS and BEB patients, especially female patients are associated with anxiety and depression. BTX-A can improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Aplicaciones de la toxina botulínica en afecciones palpebrales / Uses of botulinum toxin in eyelid diseases

La toxina botulínica es un potente inhibidor neuromuscular altamente específico que produce una denervación química al bloquear la liberación de acetilcolina en la placa motora. Es sintetizada por Clostridium botulinum. Es un fármaco de alto valor terapéutico en las alteraciones de los anexos oculares; puede indicarse con muy buenos resultados en afecciones como el blefarospasmo primario, el espasmo hemifacial, el chalazión, el entropion espasmódico, la retracción palpebral, la ptosis de la ceja, la mioquimia palpebral y en el tratamiento de líneas de expresión facial, con muy buenos resultados estéticos. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica y en Internet utilizando distintas bases de datos como Medline, Google, Bireme, PubMed.gov, así como artículos relevantes de la Academia americana de Oftalmología y Neurología con el objetivo de describir las aplicaciones de la neurotóxica botulínica en las afecciones de los anexos oculares(AU)

Botulinum toxin is a highly specific potent neuromuscular inhibitor that produces a chemical denervation when blocking the release of acetylcholine in the motor plaque. It is synthesized by clostridium botulinum. It is a drug with high therapeutic value to treat ocular adnexas and may be indicated for primary blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, chalazion, spasmodic entropion, palpebral retraction, eye brow ptosis, palpebral myokymia and in treating expression lines of the face, all with very good esthetic results. Literature search was made in Internet by using databases such as Medline, Google, Bireme, PubMed.gov, as well as outstanding articles of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Neurology with the objective of describing the uses of botulinum toxin for ocular adnexa diseases(AU)

The Prevalence of Eyelid Myokymia in Medical Students.

Aims: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with eyelid myokymia (EM) in students attending Medical faculty. Study Design: Cross sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Medical faculty University of Tuzla and Department of Ophthalmology University Clinical Centre Tuzla, between December 2015. and January 2016. Methodology: We included 100 medical students, randomly selected by staff employed in student service of Medical faculty, from the list of students registered for different exams in December 2015. Before the survey all participants were informed about the signs and presentations of eyelid twitching and its possible significance. The survey was performed before and after the exams with students of third, fourth and fifth study year. It consisted of 18 questions regarding the presence of eyelid twitch, and influence of various factors on its frequency and intensity. Results: Forty four percent of students had signs of eyelid myokimia (EM) during short period of 7 days before the exams. Female students were more likely to have EM than male students (OR 2.46:1). Students of fifth study year were at more risk for development of EM than students of fourth and third year respectively (OR 1:1.5:2.67). Energy drinks consuming was a significant predictor for EM occurrence (P=.046). Students who reported to have reduced sleep during exam preparation have significantly more often symptoms of EM (P=.014) as well as individuals who claim to have been exposed to a greater amount of stress (P=.042). Conclusion: Eyelid myokymia is relatively common phenomenon among students of Medical faculty. It has higher incidence before exams, during the period of intense studying.

Comparison of effects of botulinus toxin of type A and complete resection of the periorbital muscle for idiopathic blepharospasm / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of botulinus toxin of type A and complete resection of the periorbital muscle on idiopathic blepharospasm. ● METHODS: Patients with idiopathic blepharospasm and having undergone either of two procedures from Dec. 2010 to Jun. 2015 were selected ( 60 patients ) . Among them, group A (30 patients, 60 eyes) underwent botulinus toxin of type A, group B (30 patients, 60 eyes) underwent complete resection of the periorbital muscle. ●RESULTS: ln group A, the patients with complete response, obvious response, partial response, and no response were 36(60. 0%), 20(33. 3%), 2(3. 3%) and 2 (3. 3%) cases respectively. ln group B, the patients with complete response, obvious response, partial response, and no response were 16(26. 7%), 24(40. 0), 12(20. 0%) and 8 ( 13. 3%) cases respectively. The difference was statistically significant ( Z = - 2. 968, P = 0. 003 ). The relapse rate of group A and group B were 93. 3% and 20. 0% after 6mo, the difference was statistically significant (χ2=32. 851, P ●CONCLUSION: The botulinus toxin injection of type A is effective for idiopathic blepharospasm. But recurrence rate is high after 6mo. Complete resection of the periorbital muscle have long-term efficacy for idiopathic blepharospasm. It′s a supplementary therapy after idiopathic blepharospasm recurrence.

Progress of benign essential blepharospasm / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia of the orbicularis oculi muscles, producing excessive eye closure. The etiology and pathogenesis is still unclear now. lt is usually appearing in adult period and predominant in females. The symptoms are typically triggered by stress, fatigue, intense light or individual factors. At advanced stages patients develop functional blindness. At present the main treatments include: botulinum toxin ( BTX ) , surgical procedures, systemic and ocular drugs and traditional Chinese medicine treatment. BTX administration has been an effective treatment. Surgical procedures have good effect but should be limited to the rare patients that do not respond to botulinum toxin treatment. A great variety of drugs have poor results. Chinese medicine has a certain therapeutic effect. Transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve symptoms. The epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment system were reviewed in this paper.

Clinical efficacy of two concentrations of diluted botulism toxin A for blepharospasm / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Abstract?AIM: To assess the efficacy and adverse reactions of two concentrations of diluted botulism toxin A ( BTX-A) for blepharospasm.?METHODS:Totally 220 patients (440 eyes) confirmedas blepharospasm in our department ( from January 2013 to January 2015 ) , were divided randomly into two groups:110 in high concentration group and 110 in low concentration group.The two groups were given local injections with 25 U/mL or 40 U/mL concentration of botulism toxin type A to the upper and lower eyelids orbicular muscle, corrugator, reducing eyebrow muscle and procerus respectively.We observed dosage of two groups, the treatment effect, the duration of the effect and the incidence of adverse reactions.?RESULTS: The high concentration group was given the BTX-A with 48.33 ±4.02U, the low concentration group was given the BTX-A with 28.51 ±3.42U,the differences were statistically significant( P0.05 ). Sixteen cases had ptosis in different levels in the high concentration group, and 2 in the low concentration group, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01).There were no serious complications such as intoxication, drug allergy in both groups.Ptosis relieved after using naphcon-A and disappeared in 2-3 wk.?CONCLUSION: The efficacy of local injection with two concentrations of diluted botulinum toxin A for blepharospasm was positive. Considering the high incidence of ptosis in high concentration group, we recommended the 25U/mL botulism toxin A for blepharospasm.

Observation on clinical effects of comprehensive treatment for blepharospasm / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the effect of compound anisodine injection combined with yi-qi-tong-luo acupuncture, hot compress and massage for blepharospasm. METHODS: Selected in our hospital, 60 cases (78 eyes) with blepharospasm were randomly divided into two groups, 30 cases 39 eyes in each group. The observation group were treated with compound anisodine injection combined with yi - qi - tong - luo acupuncture treatment, and supplemented by hot compress and massage, while the control group only with compound anisodine injection. We compared the treatment effect of the two groups. RESULTS: In the observation group, 38 eyes were clinically effective, 1 eye was invalid, 35 eyes marked, the total effective rate was 97%, the markedly effective rate was 90%; in control group, 32 eyes were the clinically effective, 7 eyes invalid, 23 eyes marked, the total effective rate was 82%, the markedly effective rate was 59%; the total effective rate and markedly effective rate of observation group were higher than those of the control group with statistical difference (PCONCLUSION: The compound anisodine injection combined with yi - qi - tong - luo acupuncture, hot compress and massage for blepharospasm, can significantly improve the efficiency of treatment, with higher effective rate and lower recurrence rate, compared with using compound anisodine alone.

Clinical Characteristics Analysis of the Dystonia Outpatients / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the characteristic of movement disorders,so as to improve their diagnosis and treatment. Methods The clini?cal data of patients with movement disorders that admitted in the dystonia and Botox outpatient department were analyzed. Results Cases of involun?tary movement were significantly more than the primary dystonia,and case of primary hemifacial spasm was dominant(163 cases,61.05%). Among the 66 cases of primary dystonia,blepharospasm was ranked the first(19 cases),the second was spasmodic torticollis(18 cases),and the third was Meige syndrome(12 cases).There was no statistical significance in the gender distribution among primary hemifacial spasm,blepharospasm,spas?modic torticollis and Meige syndrome. Instead,there was statistical significance in the treatment methods(P<0.05),and there was statistical signifi?cance in the mean treatment and onset age(P<0.05). Of the 163 cases with primary hemifacial spasm,the mean onset age was 44.22±12.22 years, and the ratio of men to women was 1∶2.4. There were statistical significances in the mean onset age and duration among the patients with different severity degrees(all P<0.05). Conclusion Primary hemifacial spasm,blepharospasm,spasmodic torticollis and Meige syndrome are the com?mon disease in outpatient department. The primary hemifacial spasm is dominant,women are more than men,and the onset age and/or duration are proportional to the severity degree.