Can BOTOX Help Relieve Migraines?
BOTOX has a history that goes beyond its use for wrinkle treatment. The product was initially used by medical professionals as a means of treating strabismus (crossed eyes) in the late 1970s. While conducting these treatments, it was discovered that BOTOX could also reduce the appearance of frown lines in the brow area.
Over time, BOTOX has become a versatile treatment option for various medical conditions, such as muscle spasms caused by cerebral palsy, overactive bladder issues, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). In 2010, BOTOX was officially approved by the FDA as a preventive treatment for chronic migraines.
How Does BOTOX Address Migraines?
By blocking acetylcholine, a chemical neurotransmitter that sends information from nerves to the brain, BOTOX can lessen the pain that comes with migraines. This treatment involves injecting BOTOX into specific muscle groups in the head and neck, which blocks these messages from being sent, effectively preventing any pain from occurring.
BOTOX is approved as a preventive treatment for adults diagnosed with chronic migraines. A patient is diagnosed with chronic migraines if they are experiencing headaches for at least 15 days out of the month for three months or longer. Eight of those monthly headaches must also be migraine-like in nature.
While BOTOX treatments are not a total cure for migraines, they can significantly reduce the frequency of headaches. Beyond that, the injections can greatly decrease the severity and duration of a migraine, and the benefits usually improve and increase with every subsequent treatment.
How Often Do BOTOX Treatments for Migraines Need to Be Carried Out?
Before scheduling BOTOX injections, the practitioner provides a detailed overview of the treatment course. It is typically recommended that injections be administered at 12-week intervals. During each treatment session, the practitioner administers multiple injections into the cranial and facial muscle groups that are responsible for headache pain. These muscle groups include several areas, such as the forehead, the nose bridge, the temples, the back of the head, and the region above the shoulder blades.
Are BOTOX Injections Painful?
BOTOX injections are administered by way of a very fine needle that delivers the medication directly into the musculature just beneath the skin. Most patients find that there is little to no discomfort throughout the treatment process, except for a brief pinch at the site of injection.
Medspa practitioners are highly trained in pain management and have years of experience in administering BOTOX injections. As a result, they can administer the injections quickly and accurately, which minimizes the risk of pain or discomfort throughout the treatment.
When Do the Results From BOTOX Injections Kick in?
After the first few weeks of treatment, most patients notice a sizable reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines. These results improve over time with subsequent treatments.
It is typically recommended that patients undergo two treatments that are spaced out at 12-week intervals, followed by an assessment of their results before increasing to four sessions per year. Some patients find that they are eventually able to discontinue all BOTOX treatments and maintain their results.
There are additional treatments and remedies that can be employed to address any pain that may linger after undergoing BOTOX injections. The practitioner will carry out tests to determine whether the additional pain is the result of migraines, tension-type headaches, or any other chronic pain conditions.
What is the Takeaway?
BOTOX is a viable treatment option for patients who are experiencing migraines. As with any medical treatment, patients who are considering BOTOX for migraines should refer to an experienced practitioner before going forward with the procedure.
At Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, Doctors Friedman, Forman, and Huang have years of experience in achieving some of the best BOTOX results possible. We go the extra mile to ensure that our patients are happy with their results. Contact our office today to learn more about what BOTOX can do for you.
