Effects of botulinum toxin on migraine attack features in chronic migraine: A six-month open-label observation study through electronic diary smartphone application

Abstract

OnobotulintoxinA (OBT-A) is a treatment option for Chronic Migraine (CM). It works on central sensitization and pain but its mode of action is still unknown. To observe how OBT-A treatment works on single migraine attacks, this paper covers an over-6-month observation period through self-reported smartphone application data. This was an observational, open-label cohort study conducted on 34 CM patients under OBT-A treatment, selected between December 2016 and December 2017, who agreed to download a smartphone headache diary application (Aid Diary) according to the study instructions. The analysis was conducted using the smartphone application data reports on allodynia, intensity and extension of pain, and vegetative symptoms. We analysed a total of 707 records of single migraine attacks reported by compliant users (n = 34) in real-time. OBT-A significantly reduced allodynia, the number of vegetative symptoms, pain extension and intensity in single migraine attacks. Pain intensity was correlated with pain extension. In single migraine attacks, OBT-A improved symptoms of central sensitization. This action could be exerted by modulating nociceptive transmission and reducing the burden of single migraine episodes and improving the overall quality of life.