Botulinum toxin A (BT-A) versus low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in chronic migraine treatment: a comparison

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2018 Oct;76(10):663-667. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X20180109.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate patients with chronic migraine treated with botulinum toxin A (BT-A) and compare this with low level laser therapy (LLLT), referencing: pain days, pain intensity, intake of drugs/self-medication, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups: BT-A group (n = 18) and LLLT group (n = 18). Each patient kept three pain diaries: one before (baseline) (30 days), one during treatment (30 days) and one after the post-treatment phase (30 days). Repeated ANOVA plus the Bonferroni post-test, Student's t test, and factorial analysis were applied, and p < 0.05 was accepted as significant.

Results: Our data showed that both treatments were able to reduce headache days, acute medication intake and decrease the intensity of pain. Anxiety was reduced in the BT-A group, while sleep disturbance was reduced in the LLLT group.

Conclusion: Our data showed that both treatments can be used to treat chronic migraine, without notable differences between them.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Anxiety / therapy
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A