Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston tested 35 patients with a tic disorder by injecting botox at the sites of their most problematic tics. Injections sites included eyelids, eyebrows and facial muscles. The treatment was customized for each patient and the dosage adjusted accordingly. No severe complications were reported. It works particularly well for eye blinking tics, nose tics and neck and head jerking type tics.
Doctors say side effects occur only if too much botox is injected and the muscle becomes too weak.
Eighty-four percent of the patients with premonitory sensations reported significant relief of their symptoms. Also some patients reported their quality of life significantly improved with the treatment since it provided the relief for both the tics and the sensations. Researchers say the botox inhibits the nerve from communication with the muscle. The relaxing of the muscles helps alleviate the tics. Researchers conclude that botox injections are a safe and effective treatment for tics in patients suffering from Tourette syndrome.