Botulinum toxin in the treatment of chronic migraine: a systematic revision

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22491/2357-9730.125718

Keywords:

Enxaqueca, Toxina Botulínica, Clostridium botulinum

Abstract

Chronic migraine is caused by chemical changes in the brain, unilateral, pulsating pain of varying intensity. The administration of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, is an alternative treatment. There are different preparations of botulinum toxin, capable of inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, promoting muscle relaxation. The aim of the study was to analyze the therapeutic efficacy of botulinum toxin in the treatment of chronic migraine. A systematic review was carried out using the Main Items to Report Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method as a supporting tool, using as descriptors: chronic migraine, botulinum toxin and treatment. Twenty-one articles were analyzed, of which 6 were meta-analyses and 15 were clinical trials, 9 clinical trials were compared to placebo and 6 to other therapies. The trials used a range of doses from 75 to 260 IU, and included patients with episodic and chronic migraine, in which the toxin was most effective. The toxin also had a good safety profile, with few adverse effects reported, which were generally mild or moderate. The study concluded that controlled clinical trials indicate that botulinum toxin type A was effective in treating chronic migraine. In comparison with the other drugs, it showed similar efficacy and a superior tolerability profile.

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Published

2023-09-05

How to Cite

1.
Mello A do P, Jacociunas LV. Botulinum toxin in the treatment of chronic migraine: a systematic revision. Clin Biomed Res [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 5 [cited 2025 Aug. 28];43(2). Available from: https://seer.ufrgs.br/index.php/hcpa/article/view/125718