Botulinum toxin type A as an alternative way to treat trigeminal neuralgia: a systematic review

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is one of the most common neurological diseases involving the orofacial region. It affects mainly the older population, usually after the age of 60, and more commonlywomen. It involves the fifth cranial nerve and manifests as paroxysmal, unilateral, severe, shock-like or knife-like pain of from a second to two minutes' duration. Usually pain attacks arise spontaneously, but they can also be precipitated by triggers such as cold weather, brushing teeth or shaving. The ICHD-3 classification divides TN into classical, secondary and idiopathic. Current treatment includes pharmacological and surgical methods. Anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, are the first line therapy. Microvascular decompression is the most common and most effective way to treat TN surgically. However, none of these methods is free from complications. Moreover, 25-50% of patients became refractory to drug therapy. Some studies have shown that a new therapy that uses a Botulinum toxin type A can be a safe and effective way to treat trigeminal neuralgia.

Literature from the PubMed base and the Main Medical Library from the last 18 years was analysed. Forty-three items were obtained; after verification, seven articles were included.

To look at current guidelines about treating trigeminal neuralgia with Botulinum Toxin type A in patients who are refractory to drug therapy or who do not want to undergo surgical treatment.

BoNT-A therapy is a safe and effective method of treating trigeminal neuralgia.