Resumo

CHIRINOS, Luis et al. Empleo de la toxina botulínica tipo a en el tratamiento del espasmo hemifacial. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2010, vol.48, n.1, pp.115-120. ISSN 0001-6365.

The neuromuscular disorders are a group of conditions that affect the nerves that control the voluntary muscles and can interfere with the activities of daily living of any given person. One of these disorders is a condition known as Hemifacial Spam (HFS) which is characterized by frequent involuntary contractions of the ipsilateral muscles innervated by the facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve). This condition more frequently affects women in the fifth decade of life and its incidence among the general population is 7.4 to 14.5 cases per 100.000 person/years. One of the most common therapeutic approaches for this condition is the use of Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox). This toxin works by causing the relaxation of the injected muscle reducing the abnormal contractions, though if administered in higher doses than recommended, this therapy could cause a form of botulism.: This toxin produces the paralysis of the myoneural junction causing a neuromuscular blocking effect and reducing abnormal muscle contraction. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effects of the Botulinum toxin in the treatment of FHS, its effectiveness, side effects, duration and the risk benefits of this therapy

Palavras-chave : Hemifacial Spam; Botulinum Toxin; Neuromuscular Disorder; Facial Nerve.