Botox is a safe and effective treatment for chronic migraine.
Botulinum toxin is made by a type of bacteria long used to smooth wrinkles. The toxin blocks the release of substances at nerve endings, reducing muscle contraction and the transmission of pain signals.
The authors of the updated guideline reviewed scientific studies on the four preparations of botulinum toxin available in the U.S. They concluded that the treatment is generally safe and effective for 4 neurological conditions: chronic migraine, spasticity in adults, cervical dystonia and blepharospasm.
Chronic migraine is defined as having 15 migraines or more days a month, the study authors said. Spasticity in adults is muscle tightness that interferes with movement and typically occurs after a stroke, spinal cord or other neurological injury. Cervical dystonia is a disorder of the brain that affects neck muscle control, resulting in involuntary head tile or neck movement. Blepharospasm is a movement disorder that causes the eyes to close uncontrollably, guideline author Dr. David Simpson and colleagues said. Simpson is with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
The last time the guideline was updated – in 2008 -there wasn’t enough information to make a recommendation on chronic migraine. This time, the guideline authors found research that showed that botulinum toxin provides a benefit for people with chronic migraines.
The updated guideline was published online April 18 in the journal Neurology. The new guideline is also scheduled to be presented Monday at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting in Vancouver, Canada.
philly.com
April 20, 2016
Hi,
I do have chronic Migraine with Aura, I tried Botox in 2013 and after the treatment, I developed Myasthenia Gravis syndrome which lasted 3 weeks. I had arm weakness which was worse after activity and toward the end of the day, also had difficulty swallowing and hoarseness and losing my voice altogether if I was talking more than couple of sentences. The experience was also very painful. My neurologist gave me Cholinesterase inhibitor which helped a bit. So I do not believe it’s as safe as it’s marketed.