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Current Drug Safety

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1574-8863
ISSN (Online): 2212-3911

Case Report

AChR+ Ocular Myasthenia and Facial Hemispasm: A Case Report of Unusual Association and Botulinum Toxic Type A Safety and Efficacy

Author(s): Stefano Zoccolella*, Angelo Fabio Gigante and Salvatore Misceo

Volume 18, Issue 4, 2023

Published on: 20 October, 2022

Page: [592 - 595] Pages: 4

DOI: 10.2174/1574886317666220908094404

Price: $65

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Abstract

Introduction: Hemifacial spasm represents segmental myoclonus of muscles innervated by the facial nerve, which is usually and successfully treated with botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin (BTX) acts as an acetylcholine release inhibitor at presynaptic cholinergic junctions and therefore is considered contraindicated (or administrable with caution) in patients with neuromuscular disorders like Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Moreover, to date, the association of hemifacial spasm and ocular MG is extremely rare and only a few cases have been described.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 73 years old man with a 3-year history of ocular MG who developed a left hemifacial spasm. The patient underwent hemispasm, treatment with BTX type A (abobotulinum toxin-A, total dose of 50 IU) that resulted in safe and successful 6 months re-evaluation.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that in selected cases with concomitant MG and conditions characterized by orbicularis oculi spasms or hemispasm, BTX therapy may not be contraindicated and could be given at longer intervals due to prolonged effects.

Keywords: Ocular, myastenia gravis, hemifacial spasm, botulinum, toxin, orbiculararis.

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