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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Botox as a treatment for CH?
        
(Message started by: thunter on Aug 5^th, 2005, 3:16am)

Title: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by thunter on Aug 5^th, 2005, 3:16am

My doctor has recommended Botox as a treatment, as regular preventative is not doing much good, still having CH once a day treated by Imitrix. Over a month now. Williing to try anything but Botox injecions are very expensive and not covered by insurance as not ADA for this use. Dr says will eleminate CH for up to 3 months within 2 weeks. Anyone have any experience with this treatment?

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by Bob_Johnson on Aug 5^th, 2005, 8:08am

A search on PubMed (National Library of Medicine) pulled up: Overall, no evidence, yet, that it's helpful with cluster.

Given, as you point out, the costs involved, I'd want to try the established treatments first. Only if they don't work for you would botox be worth considering.

This is the a good statement of current practice in treating cluster written by one of the better headache docs in the country. Print it out and use as a point of discussing other options with your doc.

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. (2002)

http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by burnt-toast on Aug 5^th, 2005, 9:10am

I've read that Botox injections are providing relief but have found limited clinical information to back up basic information and statements from Docs.

I would prefer to see the results of independent clinical trials before making a decision on a treatment that is a big money maker for some in the "make me perty" field of medicine. [smiley=twocents.gif]

Tom

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by brainfreeze on Aug 5^th, 2005, 10:07am

Just curious [smiley=huh.gif]. Which area on the body is the botox injected?

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by Jill on Aug 5^th, 2005, 1:56pm

Hey...

I spoke with Dr. Rosen about Botox injections as they have been recommended for me as well.

Dr. Rosen is from Jefferson Headache clinic and knows his stuff about CH - he spoke at convention. He said that there have been no real studies regarding Botox and CH though there have been many on it with migraines. I asked him what he thought about trying it and he said it was a good idea.... I guess it depends on the person and their case... you know?

They inject you in the face - on both sides and not just the side affected with CH since that would look kinda funny :-/ I cant remember the exact spots, it may vary to where the pain is... sorry...

I hope this helps. I am talking to my neuro about this at my next appointment and see if he still thinks that it is a good idea. In my opinion and I believe from what I took from Dr. Rosen, this sort of treatment doesnt have many risks but other options should be looked at first such as preventative meds especially since it is expensive... just a thought.

Jill

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by jcmquix on Aug 5^th, 2005, 2:09pm

This is what I thought when I heard the mention of Botox....

http://storage.msn.com/x1pxOYwqu4SjF5iohZHoAAhedPNC-fbvhopgMimcugLv07hEkdY499vIavAOnP3JxRvc0yeaSK9_ELJdOlTY6PMAOxU8C126btR5fgi1rmonEUxI0bD-BqVD4TC_A8BdVGQMItXvUQSadck6shg87-ejQ

It is what it is :o

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by Svenn on Aug 6^th, 2005, 3:20am

As far as i know botox does no good for us clusterheads BUT i know there are some migrainers that it help

No evidence that it helps for CH so far

Svenn

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by burnt-toast on Aug 6^th, 2005, 8:13am

I'd just like to know what Dr. Frankenstein come up with the idea of invecting folks with Botulism? I just can't comprehend how the leap from "poison in a can" to "great for ironing out wrinkles" was made.

I keep pictureing WHOO, HOO, HOO, AHH, AHH! Igor It's Alive, It's Alive!

Tom

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by clarence on Aug 6^th, 2005, 9:07am

This question has been asked a couple opf times on this board. I asked it about 6 months ago. I know that Karla responded that Botox helped her Migraines, but didn't touch her Clusters. Do a search on this board for Botox - there are a few threads on it. I didn't go with it, largely because of the anecdotal experiences I received from people on this board.

Casey

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by Charlie on Aug 6^th, 2005, 5:31pm

I agree with Svenn. I can't recall an instance where Botox has been effective for CH.

It may be that your doctor wants to help but is frustrated.

Charlie

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by thunter on Aug 9^th, 2005, 10:23pm

Want to thank all for their respose, it was very helpful and heart warming. I have decided to hold off and continue medication and see if series will pass.
Thanks to everyone!
Thunter

Title: Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
Post by Jasmyn on Aug 10^th, 2005, 1:35am

Well Botox may not relieve CH but at least we will be unable to have that painful expression on our faces when we have an attack! [smiley=laugh.gif]