The clinical eVects of botulinum toxin have been recognised since the end of the 19th century. It is the most potent neurotoxin known and it is produced by the gram negative anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The paralytic eVect of the toxin is due to blockade of neuromuscular transmission. Injection into a muscle causes chemodenervation and local paralysis and this eVect has led to the...