I’ve been doing CME (continuing medical education), and I love it because it gets you out of your normal wheelhouse to study some other areas.
Raynaud’s is common in women. Some have it with other autoimmune diseases (Lupus, Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia). Others have it by itself. It is a vasospasm issue of the blood vessels frequently seen going to the fingertips, causing poor blood flow. Your fingers turn white (no blood flow), blue (poor oxygenation), and red (when the blood rushes back in). It can happen due to cold temperatures, stress, or idiopathic. It can affect fingers, toes, ears, and noses.
Many treatments have been tried, but I hadn’t heard of Botox treatment for Raynauds, until I was taking a review test for my CME.
- 10 units done around each neurovascular bundle in the palm (total 50-100 units)
- Studies show a 75-100% reduction in pain and 50% healing of chronic ulcers.
- The exact mechanism is unknown.
- It is thought to have an effect by blocking nerves and other signal transduction pathways.
- Most patients were pain free 13-59 months out with a SINGLE injection.
The original study was in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Journal 2009. It was a study of 19 patients. 50-100 units total were used in each palm. Pre- and post-injection laser Doppler was done to measure blood flow.
Super cool. Botox helps with wrinkles, depression, excessive sweating, and Raynauds. I wonder what else?
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