THERAPEUTIC USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN IN OROFACIAL PAIN CONTROL

Abstract

Orofacial pain is commonly associated with muscle derangements, which cause localized discomfort and negatively impact the quality of life of affected individuals. Botulinum toxins can be considered therapeutic alternatives for this dysfunction. The objective of this study was to analyze through literature the therapeutic potential of botulinum toxin in the control of orofacial pain. This was an integrative literature review method, using a quantitative and qualitative approach, through searches carried out by the LILACS, SCIELO, and PUBMED platforms. "Temporomandibular Joint Disorders", "Botulinum Toxins", "Pharmacological Treatment", "Botulinum Toxins Type A" and "Facial Pain" were the selected Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS). Studies have reported that clinical situations involving temporomandibular dysfunction, trigeminal neuralgia, headaches, hypertrophies, and muscle spasms did not respond to conservative treatment, but there were positive results after administration of Botulinum Toxin Type A. Its use may reduce pain symptoms due to improved blood flow and decreased muscle contractions. Although most of the researches talk about positive results, the long-term injection, however, may cause possible impacts to patients and should be the target of further analysis.

Keywords: Facial Pain; Complementary Therapies; Botulinum Toxins.