Question

Fibromyalgia: Can Botox relieve symptoms?
 
How valuable is the use of Botox injections in treating fibromyalgia?
- Harry / Rhode Island

Mayo Clinic rheumatologist April Chang-Miller, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer
There has been little research on the effects of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) as a treatment for fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain.

Here's what the research has shown so far:

One double-blind study of Botox at Ohio State University was terminated early because of adverse effects, including confusion, increased pain and flu-like symptoms.

A review from South Africa reported on 16 people with fibromyalgia treated with multiple �?and in some cases, repeated �?injections of Botox. Several participants had increased pain in areas of the body that didn't receive injections. Other participants reported improvement.

The Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved Botox for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Botox has been approved for other conditions such as:

Spasms of the muscle close to the eye (blepharospasm)

Inability of the eyes to work together properly (strabismus)

Involuntary contractions of neck muscles (cervical dystonia)

Severe armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Frown lines between the eyebrows

More clinical trials are needed to determine the safety and potential benefits of Botox as a treatment of fibromyalgia.

Thanks to Belle for this item