An update on botulinum toxin treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy, post-traumatic painful neuropathy/neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia and occipital neuralgia

Abstract

The literature in botulinum toxin treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), post traumatic neuralgia (PTN), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and occipital neuralgia (ON) was reviewed up to Oct 1st, 2024. Using the efficacy criteria set forth by the Assessment and Guideline subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology, the current levels of efficacy for these conditions could be designated as followings: PDN: B (probably effective, two class II study), PTN: A (effective, two class I studies); PHN: A (effective, two class I studies), ON: (undetermined due to lack of blinded investigations). Due to the small number of patients in these studies, proof of efficacy requires conduction of controlled and blinded studies in large cohorts of patients with longer follow ups. Future prospects of botulinum therapy for these pain disorders were discussed along with the advantages of this mode of treatment over the current modes of treatment.

Keywords: Botulinum neurotoxin; Botulinum toxin; Diabetic neuropathy; Occipital neuralgia; Post herpetic neuralgia; Post-traumatic neuropathy.