Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

The Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mohaya Farzin*, Cyrus Emir Alavi, Sepideh Atef Rad and Habib Eslami Kanarsari

Neuropathic pain, particularly from herpes zoster (shingles) and Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), can severely impact patients' quality of life. Standard treatments often provide incomplete relief, necessitating alternative therapies. Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTX-A) has been proposed as a potential treatment due to its ability to inhibit pain-mediating neurotransmitters. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and observational studies on BTX-A for treating herpes zoster and TN. Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2023. A total of 12 studies were included, with 6 focusing on TN and 4 on herpes zoster. BTX-A was found to significantly reduce pain intensity in both conditions compared to placebo or standard treatments. For TN, BTX-A showed effectiveness in reducing pain and improving quality of life. For herpes zoster, it helped in reducing postherpetic neuralgia and improving sleep quality. BTX-A appears to be a promising treatment for both TN and herpes zoster, offering significant pain relief and improving the quality of life with a favorable safety profile. Further research is needed to establish optimal dosing strategies and long-term outcomes.

Published Date: 2024-11-22; Received Date: 2024-10-23