By
Jenny Hope
Thousands of migraine sufferers could benefit if an official review gives the go-ahead for Botox jabs on the NHS.
Results of clinical trials suggest the injections, used as an anti-wrinkle treatment, can halve the effects of chronic migraine.
The
therapy, which uses a purified version of botulinum toxin A, blocks
overactive nerve impulses which trigger excessive muscle contractions.
Relief: Research suggests Botox injections can halve the effects of chronic migraine
It can act as a preventive treatment,
breaking the cycle of chronic headaches. Botox, made by Allergan, was
licensed for use on migraines almost two years ago.
Patients pay £400-£600 a time for private treatment, according to the charity Migraine Action.
But
it has not yet been approved for funding by the NHS rationing body, the
National Institute for Healthcare and Clinical Excellence.
A review being conducted by NICE says there is 'insufficient evidence' so far to approve NHS funding.
Yesterday
it revealed it wants Allergan to provide more evidence on the value of
the drug before giving the green light for widespread NHS use.
Joanna Hamilton-Colclough, director of Migraine Action, said using Botox for her headaches had 'absolutely transformed my life'.
Botox, which is used as an anti-wrinkle
treatment, has not yet been approved for funding by the National
Institute for Healthcare and Clinical Excellence
She said: 'I've been having chronic
headaches for 40 years – I wake up every day with a headache. After my
first Botox treatment I woke up the next day feeling ill.
'At
lunchtime I realised that I felt different because I didn't have a
headache. I've been able to work without a headache and sleep properly
for the first time.'
She
admitted it did not work for everyone but added that clinical trials
also suggested a 50 per cent reduction in migraine days for some
patients.
A vial of the
drug costing around £300 should be given as 31 injections in the
forehead, temples, neck and shoulders. One treatment might break the
cycle of pain, or top-ups might be required every three months.
Mrs
Hamilton-Colclough said: 'We don't think the treatment is expensive
when you take into account the cost to the economy from people needing
time off work for migraine and to the NHS from A&E treatment.'
Professor
Anne MacGregor, a migraine expert at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London,
said she was concerned Botox might be used as a 'quick fix' for chronic
headaches.
She added: 'It's not a blanket treatment but it might be appropriate for a small number of patients.'
A decision from NICE is expected in June.
Botox for chronic migraines? wow!!! fantastic job! My mom also suffers from terrible migraine headaches and she can't resist anymore. She should try a treatment with botox injections as soon as possible. Maybe, this procedure will help her treat these migraines. I hope botox will work for her!
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