Patent ID: 6688311
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: A61K,A61P

Abstract:
A method for determining a pharmocodynamic effect of a botulinum toxin upon a facial muscle, the method comprising the steps of:(a) making an first surface electromyographic recording of electrical activity of the facial muscle into which a botulinum toxin will be injected, the recording being carried out while the facial muscle is at a first maximum voluntary contraction; (b) making a first impression of a skin surface in proximity to the facial muscle into which the botulinum toxin will be injected, the first impression being made while the muscle is at the first maximum voluntary contraction; (c) carrying out a first photographing step of the skin surface in proximity to the facial muscle into which the botulinum toxin will be injected, the first photographing step being carried out while the facial muscle is at the first maximum voluntary contraction; (d) injecting a botulinum toxin into the facial muscle; (e) making a second surface electromyographic recording of electrical activity of the facial muscle into which the botulinum toxin was injected, the second recording being carried out while the facial muscle is at a second maximum voluntary contraction; (f) making a second impression of the skin surface in proximity to the facial muscle into which the botulinum toxin was injected, the second impression being made while the muscle is at the second maximum voluntary contraction; (g) carrying out a second photographing step of a skin surface in proximity to the facial muscle to which the botulinum toxin was administered, the second photographing step being carried out while the facial muscle is at the second maximum voluntary contraction; (h) examining the recordings, impressions and photographs, wherein examining the impressions comprises a step of illuminating the impressions with a single light source and obtaining from the impressions mean depth, mean length, total length, number of wrinkles, surface area and form factor skin surface characteristics, and; (i) determining onset of paralysis, peak paralysis and duration of paralysis of the facial muscle by the botulinum toxin.