Open label assessment of botulinum toxin A for pain treatment in a privateoutpatient setting

Objective: To determine efficacy and injection characteristics of botulinum toxin A [BTXA] treatment for refractory muscular pain in a private outpati ent setting. Methods: Medical records were analyzed retrospectively for a sample 44-pati ent cohort who received BTXA injections for refractory muscular pain betwee n 1/1/96 and 12/31/98. Results: Eighty percent of all patients reported reduced pain from the init ial BTXA treatment. Thirty-two percent required one repeat injection and 27 % received three or more. Conclusion: These data suggest that BTXA may reduce focal muscular pain, an d in many cases, the benefit outlasts the expected action of the toxin.