Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Neuro-Rehabilitation

Neuropathic pain results from a dysfunction in the nervous system and can complicate recovery from neurological conditions like stroke and spinal cord injuries. Botulinum toxin (BTX), typically used for spasticity, is being explored for neuropathic pain relief by blocking pain signals and reducing inflammation. This review discusses the use of BTX-A for treating neuropathic pain in conditions like spinal cord injury, post-stroke shoulder pain, and painful diabetic neuropathy, suggesting it as a novel therapeutic strategy when other treatments fail.

• 1
  BTX-A has shown promise in treating neuropathic pain associated with various neurological disorders, including post-stroke shoulder pain and painful diabetic neuropathy.
• 2
  The analgesic effect of BTX-A is independent from the reduction of muscular disorders and also occurred at BTX-A dosages lower than those needed for motor improvement.
• 3
  BTX-A could block nociceptor transduction, reduce neurogenic inflammation, and prevent peripheral and central sensitization, contributing to pain relief.