Treating light sensitivity after traumatic brain injury with Botox

Understanding and Treating TBI Associated Photophobia With Botulinum Toxin Type A and Its Impact on Visual Function

Phase 2 Interventional University of Miami · NCT06293300

This study is testing if Botox can help people with light sensitivity after a traumatic brain injury feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations1 site (Miami, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06293300 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) in treating photophobia, or light sensitivity, in individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study will enroll both civilians and veterans who report chronic photophobia and have a documented history of TBI. Participants must be at least 18 years old, able to consent, and have been on a stable medication regimen for the past three months. The trial will assess the impact of BoNT-A on visual function and overall quality of life for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with chronic photophobia related to a history of traumatic brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of traumatic brain injury or those who are not experiencing chronic photophobia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from light sensitivity following a traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the use of BoNT-A specifically for TBI-related photophobia, similar approaches have shown promise in treating other forms of chronic pain and sensitivity.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Recruit and enroll male and female subjects, civilians and veterans (1:1 mix anticipated, i.e., n = 25 from each group) of all races and ethnicities.
* ≥18 years of age who are able to consent.
* Report chronic photophobia (Numerical Rating Scale ≥4 on a 0-10 scale, photophobia present ≥6 months) with a remote history of TBI (\>1 year).
* Inclusion into the study with regard to TBI status will be based on the Department of Defense Standard Surveillance Case Definition for TBI Adapted for Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division (AFHSB) Use. This can include one hospitalization or outpatient medical encounter with documented International Classification of Diseases (ICD9/ICD10) codes as identified within the Surveillance Case Definition.
* Subjects must also have been on a stable medication regimen for the past 3 months and must be naïve to BoNT-A treatment for orofacial conditions.
* English as primary language (by self-report).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with ocular diseases that may confound photophobia, such as glaucoma, corneal and conjunctival scarring, corneal edema, uveitis, iris transillumination defects, retinal degeneration, etc.
* Patients who are participating in another study with an investigational drug within one month prior to screening.
* Pregnant individuals. Pregnant subjects will not be scanned in the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Although there are no known risks associated with MRI during pregnancy, according to facility policy, University of Miami will not scan someone that is pregnant. Therefore, all women of childbearing potential (menstruating or \>12 years old) must complete a for stating that are not pregnant within 24 hours of each MRI scan.
* Individuals with contraindications to fMRI scanning (e.g. metal implants, pacemaker) will not be offered inclusion.

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Traumatic Brain Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.