Bo-Tox Can Help People With Swallowing Problems Related to Diabetic Nerve Damage

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Botulinum toxin treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia associated with diabetic neuropathy, by D.A. Restivo and colleagues. Diabetes Care 29:2650-2653, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy), and diabetic nerve damage can lead to oropharyngeal dysphagia, which is a type of swallowing difficulty. When somebody has this type of dysphagia, triggering the swallowing reflex is the main problem.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to see if botulinum toxin can help people who have type 2 diabetes and this type of swallowing problem.

Botulinum toxin (also known as bo-tox) is currently used for cosmetic purposes, such as removing skin wrinkles.

Who was studied?

Twelve people with type 2 diabetes who had severe problems with swallowing both solid and liquid foods.

How was the study done?

The patients received a botulinum toxin injection in each side of the muscle in throat that controls swallowing. The researchers monitored the swallowing function of the patients for the next 24 weeks.

What did the researchers find?

The injections resulted in the complete recovery of the swallowing problems in 10 of the 12 patients and in a big improvement in 2 of the 12 patients in about 4 weeks.

What are the limitations of the study?

This study involved a very small group of patients. A larger study might be better to examine the risks of this type of treatment. It is already know that if botulinum toxin diffused into nearby muscle tissue, it might result in spasms or worsening of the swallowing problems.

What are the implications of the study?

This type of treatment has advantages: it can be performed in an outpatient clinic, without hospitalization or anesthesia, and it can be repeated when symptoms reappear. But, because there are risks associated with this type of treatment (see above paragraph), this procedure should be performed by an expert operator who is skilled at identifying the target muscle for injection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) and Diabetes

Diabetes Advisor: All About Nerve Damage and Diabetes