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. 2011 Mar;24(1):1-6.
doi: 10.3344/kjp.2011.24.1.1. Epub 2011 Feb 25.

Application of botulinum toxin in pain management

Woo Seog Sim  1
Affiliations

Application of botulinum toxin in pain management

Woo Seog Sim. Korean J Pain. 2011 Mar.

Abstract

Botulinum toxin has been used for the treatment of many clinical disorders by producing temporary skeletal muscle relaxation. In pain management, botulinum toxin has demonstrated an analgesic effect by reducing muscular hyperactivity, but recent studies suggest this neurotoxin could have direct analgesic mechanisms different from its neuromuscular actions. At the moment, botulinum toxin is widely investigated and used in many painful diseases such as myofascial syndrome, headaches, arthritis, and neuropathic pain. Further studies are needed to understand the exact analgesic mechanisms, efficacy and complications of botulinum toxin in chronic pain disorders.

Keywords: botulinum toxin; pain.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Inhibition of acetylcholine and neurotransmitter release from motor neuron and nociceptor by botulinum toxin (BTX) may reduce pain.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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