Botulinum toxin therapy of migraine and tension-type headache: comparing different botulinum toxin preparations

Eur J Neurol. 2006 Feb:13 Suppl 1:51-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01445.x.

Abstract

Most of the initial reports on botulinum toxin in tension-type headache (TTH) and in migraine were positive. Unfortunately, these results were not reproduced in well-designed, randomized controlled trials. So far, doses from 20 U (Botox) to 500 U (Dysport) have been studied in patients with chronic TTH, and doses from 16 to 200 U (Botox) in patients with migraine. Overall, there is no evidence for a beneficial effect of botulinum toxin, although trends favoring botulinum toxin were reported. Experience with botulinum toxin type B (Myobloc/NeuroBloc) is limited and similar to the experience with the type A. Thus, a widespread use of botulinum toxin therapy in headache can currently not be recommended.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / classification
  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Botulinum Toxins / classification
  • Botulinum Toxins / therapeutic use*
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular / methods
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Tension-Type Headache / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Dyskinesia Agents
  • rimabotulinumtoxinB
  • Botulinum Toxins
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A