Onabotulinumtoxin A in the Treatment of Migraine Headache

Authors

Carrie O. Dougherty, MD, Jefferson Headache Center, PhiladelphiaFollow
Stephen Silberstein, MD, Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed. It is the authors' final version prior to publication in Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management

Volume 16, Issue 1, January 2012, pp. 41-46

The published version is available at DOI:10.1053/j.trap.2012.11.006. Copyright © Elsevier Inc.

Abstract

Recent trials have demonstrated that onabotulinumtoxinA is a safe and effective treatment for the prevention of chronic migraine headaches. Although the exact effect of the toxin on the pathophysiology of migraine is not clear, several in-vivo and in-vitro models have shown that onabotulinumtoxinA inhibits the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in pain signaling pathways with resulting attenuation of both peripheral and central sensitization in migraine. Limited systemic adverse effects and physician administered treatments that eliminate concerns for patient compliance have made onabotulinumtoxin A an appealing alternative to oral prophylactic medications for migraine. This article is designed to provide an overview of current research into the mechanism of action of onabotulinumtoxinA in the pathophysiology of pain conditions including migraine, as well the current literature supporting its efficacy in migraine treatment.

Recommended Citation

Dougherty, MD, Carrie O. and Silberstein, MD, Stephen, "Onabotulinumtoxin A in the Treatment of Migraine Headache" (2012). Department of Jefferson Headache Center papers and presentations. Paper 3.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/headache/3