Phenol block for cervical dystonia: effects and side effects.

Abstract

To report on the effectiveness and side effects of 2% phenol block in patients with cervical dystonia (CD). Case series. A rehabilitation department at a university medical center in Japan. Sixteen patients (11 men, 5 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 43.4+/-11.2y) with CD. The cause of the CD was unknown, and all cases were refractory to the oral medication and rehabilitation therapy. Two percent phenol blocks guided by electromyography. A blind analysis by neurologists of the Tsui score before and after 2 weeks of treatment with phenol block. Side effects were evaluated by another neurologist and patient report. There was significant (P=.0002) improvement in neck movement and position, based on a reduced Tsui score, after the phenol block. However, 4 patients had a complication of sensory disturbance of the transverse cutaneous nerve of the neck area. The sensory disturbances decreased gradually and disappeared within 3 months, whereas the effects of the phenol block continued. Phenol block can reduce the impact of CD that is refractory to therapy.