A recent trial reported efficacy of the botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) which accroding to the writers, 'may not only inhibit the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junctions, but also modulate afferent sensory fiber firing, thereby relieving neuropathic pain.'

 

In a double-blind crossover trial of intradermal BoNT/A for diabetic neuropathic pain in 18 patients was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness.  Significant reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) of pain by 2.53 +/- 2.48 at 12 weeks after injection in the BoNT/A group, as compared to the respective findings for a placebo group of 0.53 +/- 1.57 at the same timepoints (p < 0.05).

 

Within the BoNT/A group, 44.4% of the participants experienced a reduction of VAS >/=3 within 3 months after injection, whereas there was no similar response in the placebo group. ^[1]

 

Earlier, positive ratmodels have been described. ^[2]

From the Centre for the study and treatment of Neuropathic Pain and Neuropathy in Soest, the Netherlands

This site helps patients and treating physicians, neurologists, anesthesiologists and other pain specialists to find the best and most up to date research findings related to neuropathy and neuropathic pain and the treatment thereof.

In our centre we are specialised in treating patients suffering from neuropathic pain and neuropathy following an Integrated Medicine concept. Part of our activities are within the field of consultation. We assist pharmaceutical companies in R&D strategies related to finding new drugs to treat neuropathic pain and neuropathy.

 

April 2010, Jan M. Keppel Hesselink, MD, PhD