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VOLUME 17 , ISSUE 1 ( January-March, 2022 ) > List of Articles

REVIEW ARTICLE

The Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in the Management of Restless Leg Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials

Maryam RA Altuhafy, Ravi Yadav, Sandeep Talluri, Luay Jabr, Mythili Kalladka, Junad Khan

Keywords : Botox, Botulinum, Pain, Restless leg syndrome, Toxin

Citation Information : Altuhafy MR, Yadav R, Talluri S, Jabr L, Kalladka M, Khan J. The Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in the Management of Restless Leg Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials. Indian Sleep Med 2022; 17 (1):15-21.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0097

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 30-04-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep-related movement disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, occasionally associated with unpleasant sensations in the leg. Emerging evidence suggests that botulinum neurotoxin may be effective in reducing the symptoms of RLS. Objective: The objective of the present review was to assess the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in patients with RLS. Methods: The focused question was “Is botulinum neurotoxin effective in reducing the severity of RLS?” Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) model, indexed databases were searched up to and including February 2021. Joanna Brigg's critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias (ROB) for the included studies. Result: Four clinical studies were included in the systematic review and processed for data extraction. Three studies reported that the botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) had an impact in reducing the severity and improving RLS. One study reported that BoNT/A provides no effectiveness in managing RLS. Overall risk of bias was low in two and moderate in two studies. Conclusion: The present review suggests the need of more robust high-quality evidence for recommending the management of RLS with BoNT/A on reducing the severity and improving the overall symptoms of RLS.


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