Get to the point: drug modulation
Numerous existing neurologic symptoms or impairments can bei alleviated very well by means of drug modulation.
Due to its relatively simple application and low rate of side effects, the active ingredient botulinum toxin is often the first choice. Intrathecal therapy usually produces moderate to very good improvements in patients with pain and discomfort due to spasticity.
Drug modulation with botulinum toxin – ÖDBAG certified user
Drug modulation of botulinum toxin – also commonly known as Botox – can cause significant improvements for numerous ailments and impairments which last over many months. As a rule, botulinum toxin is injected directly into the affected muscles. The substance helps the muscles to relax and as they loosen up, within 2 weeks, spasticity, dystonia or associated pain in the muscle can improve significantly.
In this way, very good results can be achieved also for migraine, neuropathic pain, excessive salivation or sweating. In this case, botulinum toxin is injected intracutaneously (into the skin).
The effect of the botulinum toxin lasts for about three months. After this time period, a new injection is required. In order to always achieve an optimal effect with as few side effects as possible, the respective dose is adjusted step by step with each repeat injection.
Common indications for botulinum toxin therapy:
- blepharospasm
- dystonia
- migraine
- spasticity
- increased salivation (hypersalivation)
- increased sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Intrathecal therapy
Intrathecal therapy is an alternative for pain or spastic movement disorders that cannot be treated sufficiently with oral medication or botulinum toxin. A catheter is placed directly into the spinal canal. An implanted electric pump is used to continuously deliver pain-reieving or antispasmodic medication.
The aim of intrathecal therapy is to reduce pain and generalized spasticity. The dosage of the administered drug is determined by a programming device and can be adjusted at any time.
In cases of spasticity or dystonia with accompanying cramps and pain, the local injection of botulinum toxin in the affected muscles may be indicated. The administration of botulinum toxin makes the injected muscles looser and more relaxed, the spasticity and dystonia or the associated pain decrease significantly after about 2 weeks.
The aim of botulinum toxin injections is to reduce spastic or dystonic cramps. The effects of an injection last approximately three months, after which the injection must be repeated. The dose can be adjusted stepwise for each new injection to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize side effects.
Intrathecal therapy is an alternative for pain or spastic movement disorders that cannot be treated sufficiently with oral medication or botulinum toxin. A catheter is placed directly into the spinal canal. An implanted electric pump is used to continuously deliver pain-relieving or antispasmodic medication.
The aim of intrathecal therapy is to reduce pain and generalized spasticity. The dosage of the administered drug is determined by a programming device and can be adjusted at any time.