Use of botulinum toxin injections for spasmodic torticollis of tardive dystonia

Because intramuscular injections of type A botulinum toxin (btx) are effective for idiopathic spasmodic torticollis, they were administered to 3 patients who had neck movements as their only manifestation of tardive dystonia. Each improved, with a decrease in involuntary movement and reduction in pain. None had either systemic or local side effects. Although expensive, btx treatment is recommended for involuntary neck movements of tardive dystonia but not yet for the classic buccolingual dyskinesia.