Effective Pain Palliation in Fibromyalgia Syndrome Patients with Botulinum Toxin Type-A: Case Series of 25

Abstract

Background: These case reports document effective treatment using botulinum toxin type-A [BTX-A] in fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] patients. Outcome measures [including pain scales, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, algometry] were recorded on 25 FMS patients undergoing repeated BTX-A injections [one to five years duration].

Findings: Pain and function were improved in these patients. Muscles injected with good response included the frontalis, corrugators [for headache], levator scapulae, pectoralis minor [neck/ shoulder pain], paraspinals, piriformis and sacroiliac ligaments [low back pain]. The BTX-A worked best with biomechanical approaches incorporating postural correction and core stability strengthening.

Conclusion: Our clinical experience suggests that pain in FMS patients may be effectively managed with BTX-A.

KEYWORDS:

• Botulinum toxin type-A
• fibromyalgia syndrome
• low back pain
• migraine headache
• whiplash