Peri-Incisional Botulinum Toxin Therapy for Treatment of Intractable Head Pain After Lateral Skull Base Surgery: A Case Series.

[OBJECTIVE] The objective of this case series was to describe botulinum toxin therapy as a novel treatment of intractable head pain following lateral skull base surgery.

[BACKGROUND] Intractable headaches following lateral skull base surgery are described in 23%-75% of patients and can significantly impact quality of life. Currently, the etiology of the headaches is unclear and treatment options are limited. Botulinum toxin is indicated for a multitude of functional and cosmetic reasons, including chronic migraine, and has been further described in treatment of various postsurgical pain syndromes.

[METHODS] In this case series, 4 patients underwent subcutaneous peri-incisional injections of botulinum toxin for intractable headache and head pain syndromes. Three patients had undergone lateral skull base surgery and the fourth patient had undergone a temporoparietal fascial flap harvest. Average injection dose ranged from 20 to 60 units with an average duration of effect ranging from 2 weeks to 4 months.

[RESULTS] All patients experienced significant relief of chronic head pain and returned for additional peri-incisional botulinum toxin injections, suggesting meaningful patient-perceived value.

[CONCLUSIONS] Botulinum toxin therapy may represent a novel treatment for intractable head pain following lateral skull base surgery and temporoparietal fascial flap harvest. This study represents a small case series and, although 100% of the patients who were treated significantly improved, future inquiry is necessary to confirm these findings.