Botulinum toxin (DYSPORT) in tension-type headaches.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Botulinum toxin type A is effective in the reduction of muscle tenderness and pain in many diseases associated with myofascial pain. Since increased muscle tension may contribute to tension-type headaches, injections of botulinum toxin could be of therapeutic value.

METHODS/PATIENTS:

Results of own investigations are presented, in particular a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 21 patients fulfilling the International Headache Society criteria for tension-type hedaches. Participants were randomly assigned to verum (pericranial injection of 10 x 20 MU DYSPORT) or placebo condition (injection of isotonic saline in the same manner).

RESULTS:

After 4, 8, and 12 weeks no significant differences between placebo and verum could be observed. Nevertheless, both groups significantly improved.

DISCUSSION:

The findings strongly suggest that higher doses or other injection sites might be necessary to achieve therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin in tension-type headaches. Actually, we are participating in a multi-center study using 500 MU of DYSPORT. Besides dose-finding problems, another explanation could be that peripheral mechanisms--such as increased pericranial muscle tension--only play a minor role in the pathogenesis of tension-type headaches.

• Authors: J D Rollnik, R Dengler
• Journal: Acta neurochirurgica. Supplement (Acta Neurochir Suppl) Vol. 79 Pg. 123-6 ( 2002) ISSN: 0065-1419 [Print] Austria
• PMID: 11974977 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Neuromuscular Agents
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Topics

• Adult
• Botulinum Toxins, Type A (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Electromyography
• Humans
• Injections
• Middle Aged
• Neuromuscular Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Tension-Type Headache (drug therapy, physiopathology)