Objective: Hyperkinetic facial disorders include Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB) and Hemifacial Spasm (HFS), which involve involuntary facial muscle contractions. Botulinum toxin (BTX) is essential for relieving symptoms. The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic-related restrictions have led to delays in receiving BTX treatment. This study aims to assess the impact of BTX treatment delays of affected patients.
Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively examined the data of 84 patients (68 HFS and 16 BEB) whose BTX appointments were delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Patient status was evaluated using Jankovic disability rating scale (JRS) scores, and administered BTX doses were documented and compared before and after lockdown.
Results: After the BTX treatment delay, the JRS scores significantly increased from an average of 2.15±0.98 before the lockdown to 3.10±1.01 after the lockdown (p
Key words: benign essential blepharospasm, botulinum toxin, COVID-19, hemifacial spasm
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