The efficacy of botulinum toxin for the treatment of trigeminal and postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review with meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a botulinum toxin type A (BoTN-A) in treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

STUDY

DESIGN

Three databases were searched: Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The search was restricted to English-language randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Three review authors evaluated the cases for risk of bias.

RESULTS

Six studies were eligible for inclusion. Pooled results showed a difference in post-treatment pain intensity of -3.009 (95% confidence interval -4.566 to -1.453; P < .001) in favor of BoTN-A compared with placebo in managing TN or PHN. Of the six studies, five had unclear risk of bias, and one showed high risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the studies had unclear or high risk of bias, moderate evidence regarding the efficacy of BoTN-A in treating TN and PHN was found. BoTN-A might be an alternative treatment to those patients who are either unable to manage their pain medically or would like adjunct therapy.