Sharjah: A team at University Hospital Sharjah has been successfully treating chronic migraine sufferers with Botox injections.
The UAE is among the first countries in the region to use the treatment. The treatment was introduced by Dr Susan Ebrahim Noori, Neurology Consultant and Multiple Sclerosis Specialist at University Hospital Sharjah (UHS.)
Considered one of the most common medical reasons for absence from work, migraine symptoms include blurred vision, sensitivity to sound and light and nausea.
“Treating migraine headaches by Botox involves injecting Botox into 31 sites in the head, neck and shoulder. This treatment is approved by a protocol issued by the US Food and Drug Administration, based on the results of studies that showed evidence of improvement through its use,” said Dr Susan.
She added sufferers reported relief from symptoms about seven to ten days after being injected. The treatment works for up to three months.
“Botox is a safe, complication-free treatment that has been proven successful in curing diseases such as muscle stiffness caused by a stroke, spinal cord injuries, migraine facial paralysis and inconsistency in hand muscle movement,” said Dr Susan.
In one case where a patient was suffering from daily chronic migraines the team was able to put an end to the patient’s pain for 60 days.
A 56-week study that covered 95 medical centres in six countries including the USA, Canada, and several European countries, and involved 1,834 people, showed that the response increased from 44 per cent to 51 per cent in 24 weeks. The study’s results helped develop a more optimistic outlook about a cure for migraines.
With the aim of studying advanced conditions while keeping up to date with the latest global developments, Dr Susan hopes to see more progress in treating the disease soon.
