Botox Injections For Chronic Migraine

How does Botox work for chronic migraines?

Botox is the neurotoxin botulinum toxin. The paradigm for the inject delivers Botox into nerve endings at the scalp, neck, and shoulders to both the inflamed coverings of the brain and essential neurological pathways to help stop the chronic migraine process and prevent the onset of a migraine.

Treatment with Botox is typically available if you suffer from chronic migraine pain at least 15 days or more a month. If you develop migraines less frequently, the team can recommend other treatments and preventive options.

What can I expect during Botox injections?

Botox injections are administered in a comfortable office environment. Your provider injects small amounts of the prescription medication into 31 key injection sites around the head and neck. If necessary the patient may request the use of a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

Because Botox is a highly successful treatment option for chronic migraine prevention, approval rates for insurance authorization are high. The staff at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology also offers options for patient in need of a patient-assistance program to ensure you get the treatment you need.

How long does it take for Botox treatments to be effective?

Botox is an effective chronic migraine prevention option, but it takes time to work properly. The team creates a customized treatment plan based on the frequency of your headaches and your overall medical history.

The benefits of Botox can be felt in as quickly as 4-10 days and builds up to efficacious levels after 6 weeks. However in some patients studies found it may take up to three treatments to reach efficacy. Therefore, if you failed Botox in the past, you may need more than one treatment to truly benefit from the therapy. The treatment can last as long as 12 weeks and is repeated every 12 weeks.

During your consultation, your provider can determine how many Botox treatments you need to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, so you’ll know what to expect.

Do Botox treatments for migraines have side effects?

Immediately following your treatment, you can return to your usual activities without limitations.

You may have some discomfort at the injection sites, which should resolve without additional treatment. The team recommends using over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs to alleviate your discomfort.

Botox also doesn’t interfere with other medications you’re taking for existing medical conditions. You can use it safely without concern for drug interactions.

Learn more about Botox injections as a preventive treatment for chronic migraine headaches by scheduling a consultation with The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology online or by calling the office nearest you.