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Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry logoLink to Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
. 2000 Jul;69(1):121–123. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.69.1.121

Injections of botulinum toxin A into the salivary glands improve sialorrhoea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

R Giess 1, M Naumann 1, E Werner 1, R Riemann 1, M Beck 1, I Puls 1, C Reiners 1, K Toyka 1
PMCID: PMC1736996  PMID: 10864618

Abstract

Sialorrhoea is a socially disabling problem in bulbar amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) was injected into the salivary glands in five patients with bulbar ALS and sialorrhoea. The effect of BoNT/A was measured by the number of paper handkerchiefs used each day and by salivary gland scintigraphy. BoNT/A ameliorated sialorrhoea and quality of life without major adverse effects. BoNT/A may be a relatively safe and effective treatment for sialorrhoea in selected patients.



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