BOTOX: Not just for wrinkles

While BOTOX may be the known as the wrinkle-reducing panacea for baby-boomers, it’s real medicinal value may lie in its ability to bring relief to people who suffer from major neurological problems. From low back pain, facial spasms, migraines and chronic tension headaches to helping with muscle spasticity associated with stroke, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, BOTOX can bring long awaited - albeit, temporary - relief.

"Using BOTOX for pain relief with patients who have utilized other methods without success is a new treatment option," said Anthony G. Giatras, MD of South Georgia Neurological Associates in Tifton. "Eligible patients in my practice have experienced significant results."

People are surprised to learn BOTOX is the brand name for botulism toxin A: one of the deadliest toxins known to humankind. In its purified form however, it relaxes muscles by inactivating the nerves that control them. The drug has FDA approval for treating cervical dystonia, a condition in which neck muscles spasm; blepharospasm, severe twitching eyelids; strabismus or "wandering eye," and for use in smoothing facial wrinkles. Officially, BOTOX is not approved by the FDA for use with headaches, low back pain and muscle spasticity issues. "It is considered an off-label use," said Giatras, "but most insurances and Medicare cover the treatment."

New neurology BOTOX research studies in the areas of stroke patients, low back pain patients as well as chronic headache and migraine sufferers confirm encouraging results. According to Yahoo Health, a study conducted through the Indiana University School of Medicine concentrating on stroke patients suffering from spasticity in their hands and fingers – resulting in great difficulties with daily tasks – showed 62% of BOTOX patients reported improvement after 12 weeks compared to 27% who received the placebo.

New research presented recently at the American Headache Society demonstrated evidence BOTOX usage might remove the "wrinkle" of how to treat chronic headache and migraine sufferers. According to WebMD Medical News, 13 studies involving more than 650 patients with migraines and frequent tension headaches were presented at the national meeting. Results included one study in which 90% of patients did well on Botox; in another study, 68% had reductions in migraine related disorders, with 61% reporting a decrease in frequency and 27% in severity.

Low back pain is also being added to the list of chronic pain ailments potentially helped with BOTOX. In a new study, which will be published in the May 22 issue of the journal "Neurology," 60% of study participants who received BOTOX injection said their pain was decreased by 50%, as compared to 13% of those who received the placebo.
"I see BOTOX as a promising treatment for some patients with low back pain," said Giatras. "You certainly have to consider medical history, injuries, surgeries and overall health status – but for eligible patients, there is a good chance of relief."

For more information about this article, contact Anthony G. Giatras, M.D. of South Georgia Neurological Associates in Tifton, at (229)391-3390.