Beyond chronic migraine: a systematic review and expert opinion on the off-label use of botulinum neurotoxin type-A in other primary headache disorders. (3rd August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Argyriou, Andreas A.; Mitsikostas, Dimos-Dimitrios; Mantovani, Elisa; Vikelis, Michail; Tamburin, Stefano
• Is Part Of: Expert review of neurotherapeutics. Volume 21:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: 923
• Page End: 944
• Publication Date: 2021-08-03
• Subjects: Primary headache -- episodic migraine -- tension type headache -- trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias -- cluster headache -- suna -- sunct -- hemicrania continua -- nummular headache -- new daily persistent headache -- stabbing headache -- hypnic headache -- botulinum neurotoxin -- treatment; Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.7805
• DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1958677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7175

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNTA) is licensed for the treatment of chronic migraine (CM), but it has been tested off-label as a therapeutic choice in other primary headaches (PHs). We aimed to provide a systematic review and expert opinion on BoNTA use in PHs, beyond CM. Areas covered : After providing an overview on PHs and mechanism of BoNTA action, we report the results of a systematic review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations, of BoNTA therapeutic trials in PHs beyond CM. Studies and results were reviewed and discussed, and levels of evidence were graded. We also collected data on relevant ongoing trials. Expert opinion : Although there are contradictory findings on PHs other than CM, BoNTA may represent a therapeutic option for patients who do not respond to conventional prophylactic treatments. Based on limited available evidence, BoNTA may be considered in refractory tension-type headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, primary stabbing headache, nummular headache, hypnic headache, and new daily persistent headache, after the primary nature of cephalalgia has been documented and other drugs have failed. Experienced physicians in BoNTA treatment are required to guide the therapeutic protocol for each patient to optimize good and safe outcomes.