Purpose of Technology

Botulinum toxin (BTX), a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium (C.) botulinum, inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and causes muscle paralysis. BTX has been investigated as a treatment for chronic tension-type headache because of the potential for it to reduce muscle tension and modulate pain receptor activity in the central nervous system.

Questions addressed in this report include:

• Does BTX reduce the frequency or severity of CTTHs?
• Does BTX improve quality of life in patients who have CTTH?
• How does BTX compare with other prophylactic treatments for CTTH?
• Is BTX safe for the treatment of CTTH?
• Have definitive patient selection criteria been established for BTX for CTTH?

These questions provide a framework for review and synthesis of the best available evidence, which is presented in this report, along with the Hayes Ratings for the technology. This report also provides background information about the condition being treated, a description of the technology, and the context for development of the technology. Other key elements addressed in the report include the regulatory status; applicable Medicare and commercial payer coverage policies; relevant ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes; cost and cost effectiveness; credentialing; hospital length of stay; need for large case management; and ongoing and future clinical trials of the technology.

Posted in Directory Reports
This entry was posted on Friday, December 30th, 2011 at 8:00 am.