The use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of headaches.
The use of botulinum toxin for movement disorders and cosmesis led to an accidental discovery of its beneficial effect on headaches. Extensive anecdotal evidence and several controlled trials suggest that intermittent and chronic migraines and chronic tension headaches may respond to this treatment. The effect of a single treatment, which is simple to administer, can last for 3 months. Botulinum toxin does not cause systemic or any other serious side effects. Prophylactic pharmacotherapy of migraine headaches is limited in its efficacy and has a potential for systemic side effects. This makes botulinum toxin a preferred treatment for many patients. The large controlled trials that are underway may lead to a wider acceptance of this treatment by neurologists and pain specialists.
Mauskop
Alexander
A
New York Headache Center, 30 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. NYheadache@aol.com
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects; D020773:Headache Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000294:innervation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013127:Spinal Nerves / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A