Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Chronic Notalgia Paresthetica: A Case Report

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic sensory neuropathy characterized by localized pruritus and dysesthesia of the upper back, typically resulting from thoracic dorsal rami entrapment. Treatment is often challenging, with many patients experiencing only partial relief from topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or intralesional injections. We present the case of a middle-aged female with treatment-resistant NP who failed multiple therapies, including topical and intralesional triamcinolone. After experiencing persistent daily discomfort affecting her quality of life, she was treated with targeted intramuscular onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections to the symptomatic area. The patient reported substantial improvement in symptoms following the second round of injections. This case highlights the potential role of botulinum toxin as an effective therapeutic option in managing refractory NP, particularly in patients who do not respond to standard therapies.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-11-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.96000
Primary Topic
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Chronic Notalgia Paresthetica: A Case Report

Kristin Haushalter, Juan Rodriguez-Puerto
Cureus
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
article

Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Chronic Notalgia Paresthetica: A Case Report

Kristin Haushalter, Juan Rodriguez-Puerto
article en

Abstract

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic sensory neuropathy characterized by localized pruritus and dysesthesia of the upper back, typically resulting from thoracic dorsal rami entrapment. Treatment is often challenging, with many patients experiencing only partial relief from topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or intralesional injections. We present the case of a middle-aged female with treatment-resistant NP who failed multiple therapies, including topical and intralesional triamcinolone. After experiencing persistent daily discomfort affecting her quality of life, she was treated with targeted intramuscular onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections to the symptomatic area. The patient reported substantial improvement in symptoms following the second round of injections. This case highlights the potential role of botulinum toxin as an effective therapeutic option in managing refractory NP, particularly in patients who do not respond to standard therapies.

CureusVol. 17(11)
University of Miami (US), Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (US), University of Miami Hospital (US), University Dermatology (US), Advanced Dermatology (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 55%
Botulinum Toxin and Related Neurological Disorders
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.