What is the treatment for Meige syndrome?

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Last updated: June 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

The most effective treatment for Meige syndrome is onabotulinum toxin type A (OBTA) injections, which have been shown to significantly reduce dystonia severity with minimal side effects. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, OBTA injections resulted in a significant reduction in dystonia severity, with a mean Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) score decrease from 8.89 to 2.88 after 14 days. The clinical response was more pronounced in the treatment of blepharospasm than in oromandibular dystonia.

Some key points to consider when treating Meige syndrome with OBTA injections include:

  • The mean age of patients in the study was 67.7 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3.5:1
  • The most reported side effect was ptosis, with a 7.3% incidence
  • The effect of OBTA was more pronounced in the treatment of blepharospasm than in oromandibular dystonia
  • The study included 41 participants, and the results support the use of OBTA as an effective and safe therapeutic option for treating Meige's syndrome

It's worth noting that while other studies, such as 2, 3, 4, and 5, also support the use of botulinum toxin injections for Meige syndrome, the most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the effectiveness and safety of OBTA injections.

In terms of treatment approach, OBTA injections should be considered as a first-line treatment for Meige syndrome, given their efficacy and safety profile. Other treatment options, such as oral medications and supportive therapies, may be considered in conjunction with OBTA injections or in cases where OBTA is not effective or tolerated. However, the primary treatment approach should prioritize OBTA injections, as supported by the most recent and highest quality evidence 1.

References

Research

Combination therapy for segmental craniocervical dystonia (Meige syndrome) with aripiprazole, trihexyphenidyl, and botulinum toxin: three cases reports.

Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 2015

Research

Treatment of perioral dystonia with botulinum toxin in 4 cases of Meige's syndrome.

Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics, 2003

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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