A new treatment for frostbite sequelae; Botulinum toxin

• Main Authors: Arne Johan Norheim, James Mercer, Frauke Musial, Louis de Weerd
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2017-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Subjects: Frostbite; cold injury; botulinum toxin; vasospastic disorder; thermography; non-freezing cold injury; quantitative sensory testing; angiography; military; army
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2016.1273677

Frostbite sequelae are a relevant occupational injury outcome for soldiers in arctic environments. A Caucasian male soldier suffered frostbite to both hands during a military winter exercise. He developed sensory-motor disturbances and cold hypersensitivity. Angiography and thermography revealed impaired blood flow while Quantitative Sensory Testing indicated impaired somato-sensory nerve function. Two years after the initial event, he received an off label treatment with Botulinum toxin distributed around the neurovascular bundles of each finger. After treatment, cold sensitivity was reduced while blood flow and somato-sensory nerve function improved. The successful treatment enabled the soldier to successfully pursue his career in the army.