Evaluation of using botulinum toxin (A) in the treatment of myofacial pain syndrome

Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS) is a disorder which has become a topic over the past two decades and nowadays .10 patients (9 female & 1 male) complaining of unilateral MPS were injected with botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A) in masseter and temporalis muscles extra orally under electromyographic guidance (EMG) since they are the primary muscles responsible for pain in ear region and temporal headache respectively, which cause limitation of mandibular movement and development of MPS. EMG evaluation of the results together with clinical one were taken at baseline before injection, after 1, 2, 3 and 6 months following the last injection. The study revealed that BTX-A reduced the severity of symptoms and improve functional abilities for patients with MPS and these extend beyond its muscle - relaxing effects.