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New Treatment for Tension-Type Headache Discovered
Toronto (April 21, 1999) -- Botulinum toxin, a common treatment for the irregular muscular contraction of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, may also relieve tension-type headache, according to a study released at the American Academy of Neurology 51st Annual Meeting, April 17-24, in Toronto.
An eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that patients with tension-type headache reported less pain and fewer, shorter attacks after an injection of botulinum toxin.
Study author and neurologist Maja Relja, MD, PhD, of the University of Zagreb in Zagreb, Croatia, is a specialist in movement disorders. She said, "Since muscular contraction could be one explanation for the pain in patients with tension-type headache, I started to treat these patients with botulinum toxin. This is the first double-blind study that suggests that botulinum toxin is a safe, effective treatment for people with tension-type headache."
The double-blind study involved 16 patients with tension-type headache, ranging from age 23 to 64. The patients were given injections of botulinum toxin or a placebo in the muscles around the head. Researchers assessed the tenderness of the muscles before the injection and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The patients also used a diary to note each headache's severity. The placebo group reported no changes. There were no significant side effects reported.
After the eight-week study, 15 patients continued treatment for a year.
Relja said, "Attacks are less frequent and less intense during this study and the long-term results are positive."
This study was supported by Allergan, Inc., which manufactures botulinum toxin.
The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 15,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving care for patients with neurological disorders.
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Editor's Note: Dr. Relja will present the study at a poster presentation session during the American Academy of Neurology's 51st Annual Meeting in Toronto on Wednesday, April 21, at 7:30 a.m. in Exhibit Hall C of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
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