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Abstract

Spanish

French

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of botulinum toxin type A in the prophylaxis of migraine headaches.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (1966–July 2005), Iowa Drug Information Service (1966–July 2005), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–July 2005) searches were performed. Key search terms included botulinum and migraine.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Patients who received botulinum toxin type A injections for treatment of hyperfunctional facial lines also experienced relief of migraine symptoms, leading to further investigation. Four clinical trials and 2 retrospective chart reviews evaluating the use of botulinum toxin type A injections for the prophylactic treatment of migraines are discussed. Limitations of these trials include problems with blinding, use of different injection sites, and inconsistent dosing.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 2 retrospective chart reviews, and an open-label study indicate that botulinum toxin type A may be a safe and efficacious prophylactic treatment for migraine headaches.

Keywords

botulinum toxin A migraine headache

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Role of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine Headaches