Impact on quality of life of botulinum toxin treatments for spasmodic dysphonia and oromandibular dystonia

Objective: To determine the impact on quality of life of botulinum toxin tr eatments for common dystonias of the head and neck. Design: Cross-sectional survey study of a patient cohort treated with botul inum toxin injections for spasmodic dysphonia (SD) or oromandibular dystoni a (OMD). Interventions and Outcome Measures: The Glasgow Benefit Inventor) was used to quantify the health benefit of treatment. Data were collected for demogr aphics, time intervals relative to diagnosis, treatment duration, and frequ ency of injections. The groups were compared to determine whether differenc es existed in benefit from treatment. Correlation analysis was conducted fa r inventory scores and time intervals. Results: A total of 23 patients (5 with OMD and 18 with SD) completed the q uestionnaire. The mean total benefit score was +38.04 (possible range, -100 to +100) for the whole group (P<.001). The OMD group derived a nonsignific antly smaller benefit (+21.67 vs +42.59) (P=.07). The mean subscores for th e combined group were +39.67, +26.81, and +42.75 for the general, social su pport, and physical health subscores, respectively (P<less than or equal to >.001). The difference in mean subscores between the 2 groups was not stati stically significant, although patients with OMD had a lower social support subscore (+6.67 vs +32.41). No correlation was found between duration of t herapy) or frequency of injections and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory score. Conclusions: Patients with OMD or SD derive considerable benefit when treat ed with botulinum toxin. The magnitude of benefit is largely independent of the time course of therapy. Treatment with botulinum toxin for these condi tions is effective on the basis of quality-of-life criteria.