Dermatol Surg. 2003 Jul; 29(7): 749-54.

Botulinum toxin: application into acupuncture points for migraine.

Tamura BM, Chang B.

Dermatology Department of Complexo Hospitalar HeliÃ³polis, SÃ£o Paulo, Brazil. tamurab@uol.com.br

BACKGROUND. : Botulinum toxin has been employed in orthopedics, physiatrics, gastroenterology, gynecology, neurology, pediatrics, general surgery, plastic surgery, and several other specialties. We have applied this drug to treat hyperhidrosis and wrinkles in dermatology; it offers also a secondary benefit: relief for headaches. OBJECTIVE. : We have performed studies based on acupuncture principles in order to develop new botulinum toxin application sites for the treatment of migraine. These additional sites are helpful when patients expect results for both their illness and their wrinkles; whereas some patients will show improvement with the classic treatment for wrinkles, additional sites may be required. METHODS. : Ten patients suffering from migraine, as diagnosed through the criteria proposed by the Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society, were selected. We used easily recognizable acupuncture sites for the injection of botulinum toxin. RESULTS. : There was significant improvement in patients with acupuncture site-guided botulinum toxin injection. It showed to be a safe and effective therapy for migraine. CONCLUSION. : There are alternative sites besides those used for the treatment of expression lines, which bring forth an improvement of migraine.