Objectives: To evaluate the short-term effect of the botulinum toxin, type A (BTX-A) injection for the treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome.
Materials & Methods: Foueteen female patients suffering from myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome were included in this study. For all patients both the masseter and temporalis muscles were injected once with 20-30 Units of BTX-A respectively and followed up for three months. Follow up included clinical assessment of maximal inter-incisal opening, range of lateral movement and visual analogue scale for pain. Electromyography (EMG) images were ordered pre-operatively and at the end of 3 months' period to quantify the changes in muscle activity.
Results: Results of the present study showed resolution of pain in all patients upon completing the follow up period.
Conclusion: Within the limits of this study BTX-A can be used effectively for the treatment of myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome.