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How does botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) work to improve chronic migraine? 🤔

⚡️ Spoiler: it's probably not what you think!

A 🧵 about BoNT & #migraine

#MedTwitter #NeuroTwitter #tweetorial
2/
Let's start with a definition: what makes a migraine "chronic?"

◾️ Headache occurs at least 1⃣5⃣ days per month
◾️ Of which at least 8⃣ have features of migraine headache
◾️ For 3⃣ months or more

From: Int'l Classification of Headache Disorders ichd-3.org/1-migraine/1-3…
3/
And a bit of history: botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) came to be studied for chronic migraine after anecdotes suggested that BoNT injections to treat wrinkles also helped with headaches!
4/
Two randomized controlled trials called PREEMPT (Phase 3 REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy) showed that a form of BoNT - onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) - worked for the treatment of chronic migraine in adults

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20647170/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20647171/
5/
PREEMPT pooled results:

◾️ Headache days/28 days actually 🔻 for both placebo & onabotA groups
◾️ But 🔻 more for onabotA group: at week 24, -8.4 for onabotA versus -6.6 for placebo

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20487038/ Image
6/
"Standard" PREEMPT protocol:
◾️ 7 head & neck muscles
◾️ 31 injections
◾️ 155 units
◾️ Every 12 weeks

➡️ Could also use "follow-the-pain" approach & inject up to 40 more units

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20958294/ ImageImage
7/
So back to the ❓: how does it work?

BoNT acts on peripheral nerves by ✂️ SNARE proteins, which are needed for membrane fusion ➡️ 🚫 neurotransmitter release

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25882077/ Image
8/
We mostly think about its effect at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ): 🚫 acetylcholine ➡️ paralysis

📒 For a discussion of how BoNT works at the NMJ when we *don't* want it to, check out this 🧵 on infant botulism:
9/
But actually: BoNT also acts on sensory neurons! And that's how it's thought to work to treat chronic migraine, a sensory disease
10/
Through its actions on sensory neurons, BoNT blocks release of glutamate, substance P & calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) -- neurotransmitters all involved in pain signaling

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32602955/ Image
11/
& the injection sites per the PREEMPT protocol closely match the sensory innervation of the face, scalp, and cervical region

For a more detailed review:
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32602955/ Image
12/
So in summary, for BoNT & chronic migraine:
🔑 Mechanism thought to be sensory, not motor!

⚠️: 🚫 medical advice, & onabotA is not currently FDA approved for chronic migraine in children (used off label)

For great resources on #migraine treatment:
@ahsheadache @amfmigraine

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More from @RGottliebSmith

Feb 13
1/
#MedTwitter: ever learn a mnemonic that you can’t remember 5 minutes later? 🙋‍♀️

What makes a mnemonic useful (or not)?

A 🧵 about the good – and the bad – of mnemonics

#MedEd #NeuroTwitter #Tweetorial
2/
First, some background:

Mnemonic = relating to memory

Mnemonic devices/techniques (often called mnemonics for short) = memory aids or strategies that help with recall

Goal: transition info from working memory to long-term memory (and then be able to retrieve it later!)
3/
Let’s review 3 mnemonic techniques:

1⃣ Method of loci AKA “memory palace”
▪️ Type of imagery mnemonic
▪️ Info mentally placed at important landmarks along an imagined path ➡️ recall by re-tracing the route
▪️ Vivid images are helpful

Image from pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33613393/ Image
Read 11 tweets
Jan 22
1/
What's the best strategy for effective - and time efficient - teaching in clinic?

A 🧵 for 4⃣ teaching strategies when 🕗 is limited (& how they might be used in #neurology)

#MedEd #NeuroTwitter

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18276715/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29383053/
2/
1⃣ One-minute preceptor (initially called: 5-step microskills)
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1496899/

5 steps & examples 👇

Pros:
✅ Assess learner's knowledge
✅ 👍 & constructive feedback "built in"
✅ Clinical reasoning
✅ Good for novice learners

Cons:
⛔️ "1 min" is a bit unrealistic
3/
2⃣ SNAPPS
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14507619/

Pros:
✅ Very learner-driven
✅ Aligns well w/ traditional presentation model
✅ Clinical reasoning

Cons:
⛔️ May not work as well for novice learners
Read 7 tweets

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