Overview
- A peer-reviewed study of 160 war amputees in western Ukraine reports significant short-term reductions in phantom and residual limb pain after botulinum toxin injections.
- Patients receiving peri-neuromal injections plus standard therapy saw an average four-point drop in phantom limb pain at one month, with 69% achieving meaningful improvement.
- By three months the effect waned, and the group receiving comprehensive medical and surgical care showed more durable relief.
- The technique delivered botulinum toxin around painful neuromas under ultrasound guidance, targeting nerve activity and local inflammation rather than muscle.
- Published October 21 in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the study urges larger randomized trials, optimization of dosing and patient selection, and evaluation of repeat injections.