Conclusion Based on the current evidence , BTX-A may be an effective and safe option for the treatment of neuralgia .
Aim This meta- analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin-A ( BTX-A ) for the treatment of neuralgia .
Botulinum Toxin A in Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Parallel, Randomized, Double-Blind, Single-Dose, Placebo-controlled Trial
Objectives : Cumulative evidence support a beneficial effect of botulinum toxin A ( BTX-A ) in postherpetic neuralgia ( PHN ) . We aim ed to assess efficacy , safety , and tolerability of BTX-A in the management of PHN , performing a r and omized , double-blind , single-dose , placebo-controlled trial . Methods : Thirty adults with PHN were r and omized either to BTX-A or placebo .  Severity of pain was evaluated by patients using a visual analogue scale ( VAS ) and quality of sleep was assessed using a 5-item question naire . Primary outcome was reduction in VAS score , with a greater than 50 % reduction being considered clinical ly significant . Secondary outcomes were reduction in sleep score and maintenance of VAS score after treatment , with over 50 % maintenance considered clinical ly meaningful . Results : Thirteen patients from the experimental arm achieved an at least 50 % reduction in VAS score , compared with none of the placebo patients ( NNT=1.2 , 95 % CI , 2 - 1 ; ARR=0.87 , 95 % CI , 055 - 096 ; P<0.001 ) . BTX-A patients showed significant reduction in VAS pain scores between baseline and week 2 , which persisted for a median period of 16 weeks . BTX-A patients showed significant reduction in sleep scores between baseline and week 2 , which remained unchanged until 16th week ( P<0.001 ) . Treatment was well tolerated . Discussion : Data confirm that BTX-A is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of PHN
Conclusion Based on the current evidence , BTX-A may be an effective and safe option for the treatment of neuralgia .
Aim This meta- analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin-A ( BTX-A ) for the treatment of neuralgia .