Thousands of migraine patients could benefit from Botox jab. The study findings of clinical trials suggest that Botox jab that is used as anti-wrinkle treatment could halve the effects of chronic migraine. The therapy uses a purified edition of botulinum toxin A, blocking overactive nerve impulses which trigger excessive muscle contractions.
The symptoms of chronic migraine may include, severe headache, visual disturbances such as spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light, noise, or smells, nausea and vomiting, tingling sensations, pins and needles, and weakness or numbness in the limbs. The Botox therapy act as a precautionary treatment helps in breaking the cycle of chronic headaches.
Two years ago Botox, made by Allergan was licensed for use on migraine patients. A vial of the drug contains thirty-one injections and should be administered in the forehead, temples, neck and shoulders. One treatment might break the cycle of pain, or top-ups might be required every three months.
A migraine expert, Prof Anne MacGregor from St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, stated she was concerned Botox might be used as a quick fix for chronic headaches. It is not a blanket treatment but it might be suitable for a small number of patients. But how the neurotoxin might prevent chronic migraines is unknown. It is believed that it relaxes the muscles or possibly interrupts pain signals.
The NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) saying in its guidelines, It wants the manufacturer, Allergan, to provide better data before making a final decision. NICE is deciding whether the injection should be offered across the NHS. The injection has shown some benefits in trail of fourteen hundred people that were reported in the journal Headache.
Prof Carole Longson, director of the health technology evaluation centre at NICE, stated their independent committee is asking Allergan to provide further information and analysis as part of this public consultation, so that it has sufficient evidence to develop sound advice for the NHS regarding the use of Botox for the prevention of headaches in adults with chronic migraine.
Devoid of this additional evidence, potentially they will be unable to advise the NHS that this drug is good value for money for these adults because there are currently too many uncertainties, added Prof Longson. In reply Allegan stated, it was working constructively and would provide new evidence to NICE, demonstrating Botox treatment is both clinically meaningful and a cost effective alternative for migraine sufferers.