Subcutaneous botulinum toxin‐A injection for treating postherpetic neuralgia

Abstract

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a debilitating disease characterized by continuous, intense pain following an outbreak of herpes zoster. The pain associated with PHN can severely affect a patient's quality of life, quality of sleep, and ability to participate in activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical efficacy of the subcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) for the treatment of PHN. Thirteen patients with PHN were enrolled in this study and treated once with BTX-A. The effects of BTX-A on pain were measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after administration. Compared with pretreatment scores, VAS pain scores decreased at 2 weeks post-treatment in all patients. All patients felt varying degrees of pain relief but remained comfortable. Compared with oral analgesic drugs, VAS scores were significantly different at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks posttreatment (p < .05). These results demonstrated that subcutaneous administration of BTX-A can decrease pain in patients with PHN.

Chronic Facial Pain: Trigeminal Neuralgia, Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain, and Myofascial Pain Syndrome—An Evidence-Based Narrative Review and Etiological Hypothesis

“…Botulinum toxin type A has a beneficial role in the treatment of neuropathic pain [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. It has both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, the two mechanisms being dissociated.…”

Intralesional botulinum toxin A injection for treating nodular scabies

“…The standard treatment such as topical steroids, intralesional steroids, or topical tacrolimus is less than satisfactory 5 . Botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) has been used successfully to treat several different types of pain and diseases 6,7 . Here, we report 15 patients with nodular scabies who were treated with intralesional injection of BTX‐A.…”

“…5 Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been used successfully to treat several different types of pain and diseases. 6,7 Here, we report 15 patients with nodular scabies who were treated with intralesional injection of BTX-A.…”

Postherpetic neuralgia and recalcitrant cystic lesions following herpes zoster: A case report and review of treatment options

“…Human herpesvirus-3 (HHV-3), also known as the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the pathogen of HZ. [1][2][3][4] Although some patients may experience no symptom during the acute phase of infection, many of them may develop a few complications. The most common complication of HZ is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).…”

“…Herpes Zoster (HZ) usually presents in adults who have been affected by chickenpox in their childhood. Human herpesvirus‐3 (HHV‐3), also known as the varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) is the pathogen of HZ 1‐4 . Although some patients may experience no symptom during the acute phase of infection, many of them may develop a few complications.…”