Mission Statement The Neurotoxin Institute (NTI) is a multidisciplinary organization created to serve as a comprehensive independent source of information related to the basic science and the clinical applications of neurotoxins. The Institute fosters the learning and teaching of both theory and practical techniques, and encourages further research in support of these goals. |
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Neurotoxin Historical TimelineMilestone events related to botulinum neurotoxin through the centuries
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What's New• NTI Advisory Council - Spotlight Videographies • Basic Science Module - CME Credits available • Dystonia Module - CME Credits available • Historical Timeline - Neurotoxin through the ages |
Scientific and Clinical Modules
- Dystonia
Dystonia
Abstract
Dystonia is defined as a neurological syndrome characterized by involuntary, sustained, patterned, and often repetitive muscle contractions of opposing muscles, resulting in twisting or squeezing movements, abnormal postures, or both. Dystonia can be subdivided according to anatomical distribution into focal, segmental, and generalized. Although pathogenesis-targeted therapy is not yet available, treatment strategies designed to relieve motor symptoms and pain have markedly improved the quality of life of patients with dystonia. Local chemodenervation with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is considered the treatment of choice for patients with focal dystonia, whereas medications and deep brain stimulation are usually used in patients with segmental and generalized dystonia.
- Neurotoxin Basic Science
Neurotoxin Basic Science
Abstract
Neurotoxins may be synthetic or endogenous compounds derived from species as diverse as bacteria, fungi, spiders, marine life, and man. Seven botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes (A, B, C, D, E, F, and G), which are produced by Clostridium botulinum and other Clostridium species, inhibit neurotransmitter release from nerve terminals. These serotypes of BoNT are antigenically dissimilar, utilize distinct but related mechanisms of action, and are not interchangeable. Only BoNT serotypes A and B are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of neurological disorders and for cosmetic indications.
Neuroexocytosis, a multistage process leading to the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane, involves proteins collectively called SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor [NSF] attachment protein receptors). Following calcium entry into the....[more]
- Other Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Ophthalmic A) Blepharospasm B) Strabismus
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Cerebral Palsy
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Adult Spasticity/Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Secretory Disorders
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Pain
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Headache
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Aesthetic Medicine
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Gastroenterological Conditions
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
- Urological Disorders
Coming Soon
Botulinum neurotoxin has become a powerful tool in the treatment of many clinical disorders, most of which are characterized by abnormal, excessive or inappropriate muscular activity. Since this neurotoxin inhibits cholinergic transmission at neuromuscular and autonomic postganglionic synapses, it can be used in many conditions to relax muscles or reduce glandular secretions. In these CME-certified chapters, clinicians can learn about the role that botulinum neurotoxin may have as a treatment option. The underlying scientific mechanisms by which the neurotoxin exerts its effects is also discussed in a separate chapter.
