Botulinum Neurotoxin Injections in Childhood Opisthotonus

Opisthotonus refers to abnormal axial extension and arching of the trunk produced by excessive contractions of the paraspinal muscles. In childhood, the abnormal posture is most often related to dystonia in the setting of hypoxic injury or a number of other acquired and genetic etiologies. The condi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Toxins 2021-02, Vol.13 (2), p.137
Main Authors: Hull, Mariam, Parnes, Mered, Jankovic, Joseph
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
axial dystonia
botulinum toxin
opisthotonos
opisthotonus
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Summary:Opisthotonus refers to abnormal axial extension and arching of the trunk produced by excessive contractions of the paraspinal muscles. In childhood, the abnormal posture is most often related to dystonia in the setting of hypoxic injury or a number of other acquired and genetic etiologies. The condition is often painful, interferes with ambulation and quality of life, and is challenging to treat. Therapeutic options include oral benzodiazepines, oral and intrathecal baclofen, botulinum neurotoxin injections, and deep brain stimulation. Management of opisthotonus within the pediatric population has not been systematically reviewed. Here, we describe a series of seven children who presented to our institution with opisthotonus in whom symptom relief was achieved following administration of botulinum neurotoxin injections.
ISSN:2072-6651
2072-6651
DOI:10.3390/toxins13020137