A GP guide to Botox for neurological conditions

Need to know

• Botulinum toxin is a safe, well-tolerated and effective therapeutic agent for a variety of neurological indications.
• In recent years, PBS listings for botulinum toxin have expanded to include an increased number of conditions, based on evidence of efficacy.
• Neurological conditions for which there are PBS indications now include chronic migraine, spasticity, cervical dystonia, essential blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and refractory axillary hyperhidrosis.
• In the case of spasticity, the PBS now provides for more courses of subsidised treatment following acute neurological events, including stroke.
• Recently, botulinum toxin was PBS listed for lower-limb indications outside the setting of cerebral palsy for the first time. Age restrictions have also been removed from cerebral palsy-related indications.
• GPs should be familiar with all available referral options available for botulinum toxin therapy.