Botox of Little Use for Migraines

The well known anti-wrinkle injection which was celebrated in the news back in July for its ability to aide in the treatment of migraines may not be as effective as once believed. It's recently licensing for migraine treatments has been looked at by the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB).

Botox (botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin formulated from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is currently used as a treatment for numerous conditions such as inflammation and muscle spasms. It is available in several formulas.

Botox which has been licensed to treat symptoms of migraines consisting of a series of injections into the amount of up to 39 sites in the head and neck muscle. How it exactly works is still unclear but the performing action seems obvious from the well known paralyzing effect on muscles.

Each treatment costs £276 (U.K) which is around $377 in U.S. Currency. These injections must be done every twelve weeks.

At least 14 million people suffer from episodic headaches( a few times each month) develop chronic migraine headaches (on most days) and usually occur with decreased functioning ability and impairment on quality of life.

DBT regards the evidence published on Botox effectiveness to treat chronic migraines as limited and not convincing.

Most imperative is the fact Botox worsens headache symptoms in around one out of ten people, with an alike rate developing rashes, itching, pain, stiffness and muscle spasms.

Even though extremely rare Botox can cause anaphylactic shock (serious allergic reaction that causes symptoms such as dizziness, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing). Regardless of screening and control methods, there is a possible chance for the transmission of infection with Botox that cannot be completely omitted due to the fact it does contain human serum albumin.

The United Kingdom's drug regulators, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which had given the go ahead had stated that Botox had offered a "unique approach" for treating chronic migraines.

Botox had avoided the symptoms of side effects of tablets and provided a better safety profile according to the agency and noting that its effectiveness was apt to improve over time with repeated treatments.

The DTP had pointed out there are some headache specialists had denounced the evidence in which the MHRA had based its conclusions.

It is being noted that the diagnoses of chronic migraine used in the trials was inaccurate as nearly two-thirds of participants in the trial had overused the treatments. This is essential due to the fact that headache medication overuse in where headache treatments end up causing headaches instead of relieving, omits the diagnoses of chronic migraine per international definitions.

These disparities and limited evidence of benefit makes it hard to see a place for Botox A as a treatment for chronic migraine according to the conclusions reached by the DTB.

The Botox review is in a part of a redesigned DTB, which from the February issue has increased the content along with number of pages. Now for the first time educational material is included which is comprised of multiple choice questions established upon DTB reviews, which are designed especially for continuing medical education and professional development.

A new section DTB select includes brief summaries of DTB's views on main healthcare developments such as new guidelines, evidence and safety warnings.

Other alternatives for the treatment of migraines include:

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care such as spinal manipulations have been shown in several trails it could be useful in treating migraines. One study had shown that 22% of people having chiropractic care for migraines had a 90% decrease or more of attacks and 49% had noted a remarked decrease in the intensity of the attacks.

In another study spinal manipulation was shown to be just as effective as the medication Elavil in decreasing migraines and without side effects.

Researchers had also reviewed nine studies which tested chiropractic care for tension and migraine headaches and discovered chiropractic was just as effective for the prevention of tension and migraine headaches.

Acupuncture

Studies on acupuncture and migraines seem to be split in the effectiveness. However, researchers do agree that it is a safe treatment and could be beneficial to some patients. A study conducted back in 2003 did show acupuncture to be as effective as medications providing treatment is receive at the onset of headache.

Reflexology

Reflexology the practice of apply pressure on specific points on the hands and feet that are associated to certain parts throughout the body and has been suggested for the treatment of migraines. Some studies have shown it could alleviate migraine pain allowing the use of less medications needed. It also improves general well being and energy. Sources:

Migraine Research Foundation

Med Terms

Medical News Today

University of Maryland Medical Center