PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of EMLA® (EMLA) cream for pain relief before periocular botulinum toxin injection (BTX) on the treatment of essential benign blepharospasm (BEB). METHODS: In this prospective study, 13 patients given bilateral periocular botulinum injections for blepharospasm treatment were included. Prior to the injections, EMLA cream was applied to the right periocular side and placebo to the left side. Relative pain score from 0 to 10 was recorded after the procedure. RESULTS: The average pain score on the side where EMLA was applied was 5,77±3,00, whereas it was 5,62±2,63 on the placebo side (p=0,92). CONCLUSION: No statistically significant decrease in the pain score associated with BTX injection for BEB was noted after EMLA skin application.
Blepharospasm; Botulinum toxin type A; Pain
