The use of botulinum toxin injections to manage drooling in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neurone disease: a systematic review.

Difficulty in managing oral secretions is commonly experienced by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neurone disease (MND) and associated bulbar weakness including dysphagia. There are no definitive evidence-based treatment guidelines to manage the distressing symptom of drooling. We reviewed the evidence for the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections to reduce saliva in ALS/MND.

The management of drooling in adults with neurological conditions.

Purpose Of Review: Drooling is a distressing symptom for adults with neurological conditions and can be challenging for health professionals. This review will consider the physical and psychosocial impact of drooling and will discuss the current management options including behavioural, pharmacological and surgical approaches.

Recent Findings: A number of studies describe the use of botulinum toxin injections and irradiation of the salivary glands but no conclusive guidelines exist to recommend the most efficient dose or technique.