Blepharospasm Patients after Botulinum Toxin - Sleep Approach

Background Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia that affects the orbicularis oculi muscles. The interest in nonmotor symptoms is due to their impact on quality of life. Objective We evaluated the frequency of sleep disorders and circadian rhythm in a sample of Brazilian blepharospasm patients. Methods A total of 51 patients, who met the clinical criteria for blepharospasm, evaluated by 2 specialists in movement disorders, were recruited from the outpatient clinic for movement disorders of two reference centers in the city of São Paulo: Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Hospital do Servidor Público do Estado de São Paulo. The selected 13 patients were evaluated from 13 days before to 13 days after using botulinum toxin. They were interviewed, underwent physical examination and actigraphy, and completed sleep diaries. Results After using botulinum toxin, the group that reported sleep improvement exhibited a 50% decrease in sleep latency. There was no change in restless leg syndrome or circadian rhythm. Patients who reported no sleep improvement after using botulinum toxin presented poorer synchronization of the light-dark cycle. Conclusion Blepharospasm patients have poor sleep quality. About 50% of the patients had sleep improvement after using botulinum toxin. The synchronization of the light-dark cycle should be influenced by this finding.