Botox has been a controversial drug for years now. The anti-aging medication, which is in fact derived from a toxic strain of botulism, is widely used as a wrinkle remover, and in some parts of the country has become as common as going for a manicure. But according to the manufacturers of Botox, Allergan Inc., the drug may also have the potential to relieve chronic migraine headaches.
Unlike ordinary headaches, migraines are considered a neurological condition. Migraine headaches tend to come in waves lasting up to three days, and can include severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light. Many chronic sufferers find that their migraines bring day-to-day life to a standstill, and once the attack hits they are prevented from working, driving or nearly any other activity that requires attention and focus.
According to Allergan, Botox has already been tested in three separate trials to determine its efficacy in treating migraines. The company is now releasing the results of the third phase of research trials. The study compared two groups of chronic migraine sufferers; one group was given Botox injections, while the other was injected with a harmless placebo.
The 12 week study was designed to determine if Botox could reduce the number of severe headaches, and reduce the duration of migraine attacks. While no improvement was found in reducing the number of overall headaches, Botox was found to reduce the duration of the migraine episodes, and it is this capability that Allergan is highlighting.
Chronic migraine sufferers may not yet have a cure that can stop the attacks from occurring, but if Botox can reduce the duration of migraine headaches in sufferers, it will certainly be a welcome treatment option. Allergan claims that subjects in their trials experienced no major side effects from the injected Botox treatments.
The biggest question about using Botox as a migraine treatment is in its form of delivery: Botox is primarily injected under the skin via hypodermic needle — not exactly the most user-friendly medication. The necessity of injecting Botox treatments make it less likely that migraine sufferers will be able to use it at home, and will require a doctor’s office visit.
The trouble is, when severe migraines strike, many sufferers become hypersensitive to light, noise and stress. They don’t feel like leaving their bed — much less driving across town to keep a doctors appointment. So having to see their doctor every time an attack hits could be a great impediment, and potentially keep many sufferers from seeking treatment.
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The necessity of injecting Botox treatments make it less likely those migraine sufferers will be able to use it at home, and will require a doctor’s office visit.
Comment by Tina — September 19, 2008 @ 1:20 pm