Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Botulinum toxin and other new approaches to migraine therapy
Avi Ashkenazi1, Stephen D Silberstein
1Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Abstract:
The number of migraine treatments and our understanding of migraine pathophysiology are both increasing. Newer treatments focus on migraine prevention. Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a potent neurotoxin used primarily to treat diseases associated with increased muscle activity. Recently, BTX was found to have antinociceptive effects that are probably independent of its muscle-relaxant action. Clinical trials support the efficacy of BTX type A (and possibly also type B) in the treatment of migraine. The anticonvulsant topiramate was recently shown to be effective for migraine prevention. At the low doses used for this indication, cognitive side effects are not a major concern. Another new approach to migraine prevention is angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor blockade. The high tolerability of the AT1 receptor blocker candesartan warrants further studies to assess its role in migraine prevention.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
Peripherally acting skeletal muscle relaxants interfere with the neurotransmission at the neuromuscular end plate to induce paralysis during...
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Mechanism of Action
Competitive antagonists prevent acetylcholine from binding to its receptor, inhibiting membrane depolarization. Without conformational changes or intrinsic...
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Centrally acting drugs are classified into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs such as baclofen, diazepam, and tizanidine inhibit spinal motor neurons and decrease muscle tone. Spasmolytic drugs are administered for severe and chronic spasms due to multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord and muscle injuries. However,...
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents

