Notalgia paresthetica: treatment using intradermal botulinum toxin A

Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2014 Jan-Feb;105(1):74-7. doi: 10.1016/j.adengl.2013.09.003. Epub 2013 Dec 27.

Abstract

Introduction: Notalgia paresthetica is a sensory mononeuropathy that affects dorsal segments T2 to T6. It can have a significant effect on quality of life. Numerous treatments have been used with variable results.

Material and methods: Five patients diagnosed with notalgia paresthetica were treated with intradermal botulinum toxin A. None had achieved relief of the pruritus with previous treatments.

Results: Variable results were observed after the administration of intradermal botulinum toxin. Complete resolution of the pruritus was not achieved in any of the patients.

Conclusions: Botulinum toxin A appears to be a safe therapeutic option for patients with notalgia paresthetica. However, data currently available come from small patient series, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions regarding the true efficacy and long-term effects of this treatment.

Keywords: Botulinum toxin; Notalgia paresthetica; Notalgia parestésica; Prurito; Pruritus; Toxina botulínica; Tratamiento; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Capsaicin / therapeutic use
  • Carbamazepine / analogs & derivatives
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Female
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / complications*
  • Injections, Intradermal
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuralgia / complications
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy*
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Paresthesia / complications
  • Paresthesia / drug therapy*
  • Paresthesia / therapy
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Pregabalin
  • Pruritus / complications
  • Pruritus / drug therapy*
  • Pruritus / therapy
  • Shoulder
  • Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Carbamazepine
  • Pregabalin
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A
  • Capsaicin
  • Oxcarbazepine