Botulinum Toxin Beneficial In Neuropathic Pain Due To Spinal Injury

Excruciating pain is one of the most common manifestation of spinal cord injury (SCI). Neuropathic pain is prevalent type of pain in SCI. The scientists from South Korea reported that this pain can be reduced with the help of Botulinum Toxin- A (BTX-A). The study has been reported in Annals of Neurology in the last issue. Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results into severe pain. Generally, neuropathic pain is the most common in SCI.

Neuropathic pain is often defined as “pain caused by a lesion or a disease of the somatosensory system”. Neuropathic pain requires more attention since it is more severe, refractory to treatment and persistent over time. The scientists from South Korea conducted a double-blind placebo controlled trial to investigate whether Botulinum Toxin A (BTX-A) can be used to treat neuropathic pain. BTX-A is commonly used to treat spasticity or dystonia. The scientist…