Can BOTOX Help With Your Migraine Headaches?
Migraine headaches are the most debilitating type of headache, affecting more than 28 million people in the USA. They are the ninth leading cause of disability in women worldwide. Yet, treatment varies greatly, with some being more effective than others at stopping them before they start. Did you know that BOTOX, the same cosmetic injectable used for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, can help with chronic migraines? Keep reading to learn how.
What is BOTOX?
Onabotulinum toxin A, the effective ingredient in BOTOX®, has been used off-label since 2000 for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches. Multiple clinical trials have shown that BOTOX is effective in preventing migraine headaches and improving quality of life. Using evidence-based data, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved BOTOX® in 2010 to prevent headaches in adults with chronic migraines who have 15 or more days each month with headache lasting four or more hours. Since its approval, 100,000 people with chronic migraines have been treated with BOTOX®.
How does BOTOX prevent migraines?
When BOTOX is used for cosmetic purposes, it paralyzes the facial muscles into which it is injected, relaxing those muscles to smooth lines and creases. When BOTOX hit the market, patients who used it for cosmetic reasons told their doctors they were experiencing fewer headaches. Doctors began to study this reaction and found that these injections were an effective treatment for the prevention of migraines. When used to treat migraines, BOTOX is injected into the muscles of the face and neck that spasm, the underlying cause of most debilitating migraines.
What to expect during treatment
Injections with BOTOX are non-invasive, require no downtime following treatment, and may be performed in as little as 30 minutes in our chic, comfortable, Beverly Hills offices. Dr. Lee will administer a series of tiny injections along your head and neck. If you experience migraines on one side more than the other, special attention may be paid to those areas. You should notice relief two to three weeks following treatment and will need to receive maintenance injections once every twelve weeks.
Are there side effects of BOTOX for migraines?
Like all medications, there are some side effects associated with BOTOX. Neck pain and residual headaches are the most common side effects when BOTOX is used to treat migraine headaches. While rare, allergic reactions can occur. You should contact Dr. Lee immediately if you notice:
- Hives
- Swelling in your lower limbs
- Shortness of breath
Talk to Dr. Michelle Lee about migraine relief.
Migraine headaches can greatly impact the quality of life for people who live with them, but relief could be closer than you think. Men and women who were treated with BOTOX noticed fewer occurrences each month, and more pain-free days after just two rounds of treatment. No one needs to tell you how disruptive a migraine headache can be on your life. Call for an appointment today and see if BOTOX for migraines can help you live a happier, pain-free life.
