A new study in the journal of Neurology has shown that Botox may be helpful in treating shakiness and tremor in Multiple Sclerosis patients. Botox is perhaps best known for its cosmetic treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, but does have other important therapeutic uses. Some of these uses include: the treatment of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, the treatment of excessive sweating in hyperhidrosis, the treatment of muscular spasms in some medical conditions and the treatment of migraine.

Tremor affects many patients with MS, interfering with their ability to write, and perform activities of daily living such as getting dressed, eating and drinking. To date, many medications have been tried to treat this disabling symptom in MS patients, but none have been very successful.

This latest study shows that Botox may hold promise in helping patients with MS function better in their daily lives. Patients with tremor were either given injections of placebo or Botox. After treatment with Botox, MS patients in the study were significantly improved with respect to tremor, and were better able to write and perform activities of daily living.

Botox doses used in the study were two to three times higher than usual cosmetic doses. The most common side effect in the study of MS patients was muscle weakness (in 42% of patients). This muscle weakness was mild, and resolved within 2 weeks.

This research is still in its early days (Botox treatment for tremor in MS patients has not yet been FDA approved), however, Botox shows significant promise as a future treatment of this disabling symptom.

Dr. Zahra Alidina

References:

Van Der Walt, A et al. A double-blind, randomized, controlled study of botulinum toxin type A in MS-related tremor. Neurology. 2012 Jul 3 ;79(1):92-9.