Comparison of Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Injection and Conventional Oral Drugs for Treatment of Refractory Migraine

Abstract

Background: Background: Migraine, a debilitating neurological condition, significantly impacts quality of life. Despite various treatments, some cases remain refractory to conventional therapies. This study explores the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BOTOX) injections compared to Conventional Oral Drugs (CODs) in treating refractory migraines, offering potential advancements in migraine management. Objectives: This single-center retrospective cohort study compared the efficacy and safety of Botulinum toxin (BOTOX) injection and Conventional Oral Drugs (COD) for treating the refractory migraine. Methods: Between May and August of 2023, 78 adults with refractory migraine were enrolled at tertiary care center in Islamabad. Their demographic data revealed the mean age of 46.5 years (SD=10.09), gender distribution of 28 males (35.90%) and 50 females (64.10%), and distribution of 27 employed (34.61%) and 51 unemployed (65.30%). Results: Average duration of refractory migraines was 9.72 years and average number of migraines per month was 22. The number of headache days per month decreased from 22 at baseline to 19 after two months and to 12 after three months (p=0.239) as the primary outcome measure (p>0.05). The VAS scores decreased substantially from 7.6 to 5.5 (p=0.049), indicating decrease in headache severity (p<0.05). Scores on Migraine-Specific Quality of Life (MSQ) increased from 43 to 73% (p>0.05). The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scores decreased from 66 to 48 (p=0.047) and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) scores decreased from 69 to 40 (p=0.025), indicating an improvement in disability and quality of life (p<0.05). Injection site pain (n=35), nausea (n=25), dizziness (n=15), fatigue (n=12), parched mouth (n=5), and muscle weakness (n=5) were reported as adverse effects. Conclusion: While BOTOX treatment significantly improved measures of headache severity, disability, and quality of life, patient tolerability and potential distress must be considered when selecting this treatment.