Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections for treatment of drooling

Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2011 Nov;128(5):224-9. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2010.12.010. Epub 2011 May 19.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment of drooling by ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injection of the salivary glands and to determine the optimal modalities of this procedure.

Patients and methods: This study is a retrospective review of patients treated for drooling by injection of 100 units of Botox(®) into the parotid and submaxillary glands between 2002 and 2008. Efficacy was evaluated by a quality of life questionnaire six weeks after the injections.

Results: One hundred and eleven injection sessions were performed in 70 patients aged one to 84 years with a beneficial effect in 66% of cases. The most effective protocol was injection of 20 units of botulinum toxin into each submaxillary gland and 30 units of toxin into each parotid gland.

Conclusion: The treatment of drooling by Botox(®) injections into salivary glands is effective. The authors propose ultrasound-guided injection of both submaxillary glands and both parotid glands. These injections can be repeated in the case of recurrence of drooling.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotoxins / administration & dosage*
  • Parotid Gland*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sialorrhea / drug therapy*
  • Submandibular Gland*
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Neurotoxins
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A