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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Botox
        
(Message started by: kimmeesue on Mar 17^th, 2005, 7:33pm)

Title: Botox
Post by kimmeesue on Mar 17^th, 2005, 7:33pm

My neuro has had good success with botox and migraines and since I have had little (actually no) luck with triptans he wanted to try botox for my clusters. Unfortunately my insurance said no thank you. Has anyone had any experience with botox and CH or read anything? I know my insurer, BC/BS ,has approved it's use for RSD which is also "off label" so-to- speak. Guess it's a numbers game. Would appreciate any info

Title: Re: Botox
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Mar 17^th, 2005, 8:33pm

This subject has come up a number of times, but quite honestly I don't remember reading any success stories. You might try searching the archives for prior threads.

Hugs,

Kris

Title: Re: Botox
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 18^th, 2005, 3:11pm

Curr Treat Options Neurol. 2003 Nov;5(6):483-492.

The Use of Botulinum Toxins for Chronic Pain and Headaches.

Argoff CE.

Cohn Pain Management Center, North Shore University Hospital and New York University School of Medicine, 4300 Hempstead Turnpike, Bethpage, NY 11714, USA. pargoff@optonline.net

The use of botulinum toxin in the management of various neurologic and non-neurologic disorders has grown considerably over the past decade. At the same time, new information regarding the mechanism of action of these toxins has evolved allowing for a greater understanding of the versatility of these agents. Although two types of botulinum toxin (type A Botox and type B Myobloc ) are commercially available in the US, most studies of the use of these toxins for the management of chronic pain and headache have been completed with type A. Data from open-label and retrospective studies as well as clinical practice suggest as strongly as possible that there is a role for these agents, especially Botox, in the management of several chronic headache disorders, including chronic migraine, chronic tension-type, cervicogenic, and cluster headache. Emerging data regarding the use of these agents for so-called "analgesic-rebound" headache also appear impressive; however, as of yet, no multicenter, randomized, controlled studies for any headache type have been published that confirm the results seen in noncontrolled studies. Nevertheless, the benefit that some patients experience from this agent is impressive, and this drug appears for many to modify the disorder in a very positive manner. In a similar fashion, data for other pain states are often restricted to open-label and case study approaches; however, clinical experience and some of the available studies (even small controlled studies) suggest a role for the toxins in the management of various chronic pain states, such as myofascial pain, low back pain, and neuropathic pain. One of the greatest challenges ahead for all interested in this area is confirming the benefit seen clinically through appropriately designed multicenter, randomized, controlled studies.

PMID: 14516525

Title: Re: Botox
Post by kimmeesue on Mar 21^st, 2005, 7:38pm

Thanks for the info

Title: Re: Botox
Post by don on Mar 21^st, 2005, 8:20pm

Quote:

Unfortunately my insurance said no thank you.

As should you. Not effective for CH.

What are you taking for a preventative? Have you tried O2 for an abortive?

Title: Re: Botox
Post by Karla on Mar 21^st, 2005, 9:17pm

I use it for migraines but no luck with clusters.

Title: Re: Botox
Post by kimmeesue on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 6:24pm

on 03/21/05 at 20:20:19, don wrote:

As should you. Not effective for CH.

What are you taking for a preventative? Have you tried O2 for an abortive?

Have tried all the triptans with no success, also O2 which worked sometimes for a couple of years and then stopped. Now use Topomax and Tramodol if I can catch it quick enough.

Title: Re: Botox
Post by nani on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 6:27pm

Consider trying kudzu, kimmiesue. Look through the threads and pay attention to possible meds interactions. Start with this thread, it also has the links to the others. Pain free wishes, nani

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=meds;action=display;num=1110584362