Editors-Authors: Andrew Blitzer, MD, Brian E. Benson, MD, and Joe Guss, MD. Illustrations by Markus Voll, and Karl Wesker.
Publisher: Thieme
Book Review by: Nano Khilnani

Botulinum neurotoxin is actually a poison, responsible for many deaths from botulism around the world. Thus writes Mark Hallett, MD in his Foreword to this book. Dr. Hallett is chief of the human motor control section of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.

But when used correctly and in carefully-controlled circumstances, this chemical is very effective in the treatment of such disorders as focal dystonias (blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm, in particular) and other disorders.

Alan B. Scott was the one who first identified the benefits of this substance in the treatment of the eye disorder strabismus. And Dr. Andrew Blitzer, chief editor of this book, used botulinum neurotoxin to treat focal dystonia of the laryngeal muscles called spasmodic dysphonia.

It was also discovered later, to the utter delight of dermatologists, that this substance also helped reduce facial wrinkles! Other benefits were also found in the use of this (possibly) wonder drug, such as in minimizing autonomic disorders like  hyperhidrosis, and pain relief in migraine headaches.

This book is focused on the use of botulinum neurotoxins in the treatment of head and disorders, and its scope is extensive, as laid out in its table of contents, which gives you a quick overview:

  1. Pharmacology and Botulinum Neurotoxins
  2. Section I – Dystonia
    1. Blepharospasm
    2. Facia Dystonia
    3. Meige’s Syndrome
    4. Oromandibular Dystonia
    5. Spasmodic Dystonia
    6. Cervical Dystonia
  1. Section II – Other Motor Disorders
    1. Hemifacial Spasm and Facial Synkinesis
    2. Hyperfunctional Facial Lines
    3. Upper and Lower Esophageal Spasm
    4. Palatal Myoclonus
    5. Temporomandibular Disorders, Masseteric Hypertrophy, Cosmetic Masseter Reduction
    6. Utilization of Botolinum Neurotoxin Therapy in the Laryngopharynx
  1. Section III – Pain Syndromes
    1. Migraine
    2. Chronic tension Headache
    3. Trigeminal Neuralgia
  1. Section IV – Autonomic Disorders
    1. Frey’s Syndrome
    2. Facial Hyperhidrosis
    3. Sialorrhea

This book presents the material shown above with numerous visuals such as photos and sketches. It also provides you 22 videos on www.MediaCenter.Thieme.com which is a must, to learn treatment techniques for the various conditions discussed in this book.

This book is not only for head and neck specialists (otolaryngologists). It is also useful for facial plastic surgeons, neurologists, and pain specialists. With detailed injection instructions in the book and the videos, it is a valuable guide to the management of autonomic, motor, and sensory disorders.

These are the benefits this book provides to you:

  • Review of pharmacology, indications, mechanisms of action, and techniques for each use of botulinum neurotoxin
  • Detailed information on the anatomy, treatment methods, follow-up care, and possible complications for each disorder
  • Access to professionally produced videos in which Dr Blitzer demonstrates injection techniques for the disorders discussed in the book
  • Full-color instructions and photographs that clarify information in the text

All in all, this is a very useful, highly-focused book on the use of botulinum neurotoxin for head and neck disorders.

Authors:

Andrew Blitzer, MD, DDS, FACS is Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; and Director of the New York Center for Voice and Swallowing Disorders in New York, New York.

Brian E. Benson, MD is Chief of the Division of Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey; and Clinical Assistant Professor of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey.

Joel Guss, MD is Otolaryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at Kaiser Pertmanente Medical Center in Walnut Creek, California.

Illustrators:
Markus Voll
Karl Wesker   

Contributors:
Ronda E. Alexander, MD
Abigail Arad-Cohen, MD
Brian E. Benson, MD
Boris L. Bensianov, MD
Andrew Blitzer, MD, DDS, FACS
Lesley French Childs, MD
Ajay E. Chikara, MD
Joanna B. D’Elia, MD, BS
Daniel Fink, MD
Conor J. Gallagher, PhD, MMedSc, BPhysio
Scott R. Gibbs, MD, FACS
Joel Guss, MD
Tanya K. Meyer, MD
Daniel Novakovic, FRACS, MBBS, MPH
Scott M. Rickert, MD
Jerome S. Schwartz, MD
Phillip C. Song, MD
R. Lucian Sulica, MD
Jean S. Verheyden, MD
Nwanmegha Young, MD
Craig H. Zalvan, MD, FACS