From the Research
Botulinum toxin injections are the most effective treatment for myokymia, particularly for symptomatic segmental continuous hypertrophic myokymia, and can be considered as first-line therapy. Myokymia is a condition characterized by fluctuating hyperexcitability of muscle fibers caused by repetitive spontaneous contraction of motor units, and its treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms [ 1 ]. For mild cases, reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, and decreasing caffeine and alcohol intake may be sufficient. If these lifestyle changes don't help, medications such as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and benzodiazepines can be effective. However, according to the most recent and highest quality study [ 1 ], botulinum toxin injections can provide substantial reduction in myokymia, with ongoing reversal of muscle hypertrophy and significant improvement in reported subjective symptoms.
Some key points to consider in the treatment of myokymia include:
- Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the condition
- Managing symptoms with medications such as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and benzodiazepines
- Considering botulinum toxin injections as a first-line therapy for symptomatic segmental continuous hypertrophic myokymia
- Consulting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as myokymia can sometimes be a symptom of more serious neurological conditions that require specific treatment
It's also important to note that myokymia can be caused by various diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism, and Guillan-Barre syndrome, and can be classified into two types: limb myokymia and facial myokymia [ 2 ]. Additionally, myokymia with hyperhidrosis is known as Issacs syndrome. However, the most recent and highest quality study [ 1 ] suggests that botulinum toxin injections can be an effective treatment for myokymia, regardless of the underlying cause or classification. Other studies [ 3, 4, 5 ] also support the use of botulinum toxin injections as a treatment for myokymia, but the most recent study [ 1 ] provides the strongest evidence for its effectiveness.