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Pharyngeal paralysis due to botulinum toxin injection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

C. E. Koay*
Affiliation:
Oxford
T. Alun-Jones*
Affiliation:
Oxford
*
T. Alun-Jones, F.R.C.S. (Ed.), F.R.C.S., Clinical Lecturer, Department of Otolaryngology, The Radeliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford
T. Alun-Jones, F.R.C.S. (Ed.), F.R.C.S., Clinical Lecturer, Department of Otolaryngology, The Radeliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford

Abstract

Botulinum toxin injection is now recognized as an effective treatment for spasmodic torticollis. Complications of this increasingly popular method of treatment include mild and transient dysphagia, with or without dysphonia, lasting up to four weeks. Two cases of paralysis of vocal cord contralateral to the injected sternomastoid have also been reported. A case of severe dysphagia lasting six weeks associated with ipsilateral vocal cord palsy following botulinum toxin injection is presented. The probable mechanism for these complications is discussed.

Type
Clinical Records
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1989

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