ABSTRACT
Background - Migraine is one of the common causes of recurrent headaches. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®) is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that paralyzes nerves. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pericranial Botox® administration in migraine headache in patients attending a tertiary eye care centre. Method - A prospective, non-randomized study consisting of 54 patients was performed. Subjects were candidates who either sought Botox® treatment for hyperfunctional facial lines with concomitant headache or candidates for Botox® treatment specifically for headaches. Headaches were classified based on International Headache Society criteria. Botox® was injected into the glabellar, temporal, frontal, and/or suboccipital regions of the head and neck. Patients were treated every three months, with a maximum of three sessions. Botox dosage ranged from 75 - 155 Units per patient. Main outcome measures were relief from migraine headache symptoms, reduction of headache severity and duration of symptom free period. Age ranged from 18 to 65 (mean 34.6±6.5) years. Among 54 subjects treatedResults - prophylactically, complete response (symptom elimination) was noted in 31 (57.40%) with a mean {Standard deviation – (SD)} response duration of 4.3 (2.4) months; 16 (29.62%) reported partial response (?50% reduction in headache frequency or severity) with a mean (SD) response duration of 2.5 (1.7) months. 7 (12.96%) reported no response. No systemic adverse effects were reported. Botox® is found to be a safe and effective therapy for prophylacticConclusion - treatment of migraine.