Dr. William J. Binder of UCLA discussed the results of a trial used to measure the efficacy of Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) injections for the treatment of chronic and acute migraine in 100 (11 male and 89 female) subjects.

The research team administered 110 Botox treatments over the six year study period; injections were given primarily in the central and upper portions of the forehead and temple.

According to Dr. Binder, half of the patients have achieved complete elimination of migraine symptoms; 32% had at least a 50% reduction in migraine frequency or severity. Only 17% reported a less than 50% reduction in symptoms. . "Eighty % of the 13 patients in acute migraine crisis had all symptoms aborted within 1.5 hours of treatment," said Dr. Binder. Furthermore, the results seem to last.

The treatment keeps patients migraine-free for 3-4 months. In fact, some patients are free of migraine for 3 to 4 years, with no long-term side effects. He went on to say that Botox is the only known drug that has any potential defense against migraine.

The only side effects reported were localized pain and bruising at the injection site.

Source: Excite Health News, September 27, 1999.