Interrupting scheduled Botox injections during the COVID-19 pandemic led to migraine worsening in most patients, emphasizing the importance of treatment continuity.
Most patients worsenedWhen COVID-19 forced delays in scheduled Botox injections, the majority of chronic migraine patients experienced increased headache frequency and severity
What the researchers found
Interruption of scheduled Botox injections during COVID-19 led to migraine worsening in most patients, emphasizing the importance of treatment continuity for chronic migraine.
Why it matters
This real-world natural experiment showed how dependent many chronic migraine patients are on regular Botox treatment, and highlighted the need for backup treatment plans.
The numbers in context
Not specified — review of published studies documenting the impact of treatment delays.
How the study worked
Scoping review of published literature on the effects of COVID-19 pandemic delays on Botox treatment for chronic migraine.
Who was studied
Chronic migraine patients receiving onabotulinumtoxin A treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
What this study cannot tell us
Scoping review of observational reports, not controlled studies. The pandemic affected many aspects of health and well-being beyond migraine treatment.
How to read the evidence
Rated moderate: scoping review of observational reports from an uncontrolled natural experiment. The pandemic affected many health aspects beyond migraine treatment.
When this study was published
Published in 2024, reviewing pandemic-era data. Provides practical lessons for future disruptions.
The bigger picture
This natural experiment revealed the real-world consequences of Botox treatment interruption for chronic migraine. It highlights the need for contingency plans when regular treatments become unavailable.
Questions still open
- How quickly do migraines worsen after missing Botox treatments?
- What backup treatments are most effective during Botox gaps?
Common questions
What happens when you miss Botox for migraines?
Should migraine Botox be considered essential?
Read the original research
Scoping Review: The Effects of Interrupted Onabotulinumtoxin A Treatment for Chronic Migraine Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Journal of pain research, 17, 4163-4176
Citation
Ruan, Qing Zhao; Pak, Daniel J; Gulati, Amitabh; Dominguez, Moises; Diwan, Sudhir; Hasoon, Jamal; Deer, Timothy R; Yong, R Jason; Albilali, Abdulrazaq; Macone, Amanda; Ashina, Sait; Robinson, Christopher L. (2024). Scoping Review: The Effects of Interrupted Onabotulinumtoxin A Treatment for Chronic Migraine Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic.. Journal of pain research, 17, 4163-4176. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S485548