OnabotulinumtoxinA for Painful Foot Dystonia in Parkinson Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Neurol Clin PractSep 17, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchNeurology
Yasamin Mahjoub, Beatrice Achen, Parisa Alizadeh et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTXA) for painful foot dystonia in 33 adults with Parkinson disease. BTXA significantly reduced dystonia-related pain at 6 weeks (mean difference -3.60) and maintained effects at 12 weeks, with a responder rate of 75.0% compared to ≤11.8% in the placebo group (p < 0.001).
Key findings
- BTXA reduced dystonia-related pain by a mean difference of -3.60 at 6 weeks.
- Responder rates for pain reduction were 75.0% with BTXA versus ≤11.8% for placebo at 6 weeks.
- The effect size for pain reduction was large (Hedges' g -1.33; 95% CI -2.13 to -0.53).
- No significant differences were observed in motor outcomes or quality of life.
Why it matters
Painful foot dystonia is a common and debilitating symptom in Parkinson disease, often resistant to standard treatments. This study provides evidence for BTXA as a targeted therapy, potentially improving patient quality of life.