American Academy of Neurology issues new guideline on use of the drug
THURSDAY, April 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Botulinum toxin is a safe and effective treatment for chronic migraine and three other neurological disorders, according to an updated guideline published online April 18 in Neurology, and presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), held from April 15 to 21 in Vancouver, Canada.
The authors of the updated guideline reviewed scientific studies on the four preparations of botulinum toxin available in the United States. The last time the guideline was updated — in 2008 — there wasn’t enough information to make a recommendation on chronic migraine. This time, the guideline authors found research that showed that botulinum toxin provides a small benefit for people with chronic migraines.
The authors concluded that the treatment is generally safe and effective for four neurological conditions: chronic migraine, spasticity in adults, cervical dystonia, and blepharospasm.
The guideline has been supported by the AAN and endorsed by the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, according to an AAN news release.
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