Botox for Migraines: Everything You Need to Know

It’s no secret that, for most of us, the word Botox automatically refers to a procedure that most people undergo to help them look younger. That said, you may be surprised to discover that it can also be helpful when it comes to treating various conditions, such as migraines. A recent report by the CDC suggests that 15.3% of Americans who are eighteen years and above frequently suffer from migraines.

The study further states that migraines are among the leading causes of disability in the world today. This goes to show how serious of a problem this is both domestically and globally.

Luckily, the recent discovery that Botox can be used as an effective treatment option for migraines is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Read on to find out more about how effective Botox is as a treatment option for migraines.

What Is a Migraine?

Also known as vascular headaches, migraines are recurring headaches that tend to last for several hours. They are mainly characterized by a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head that tends to settle behind one eye.

According to recent studies, migraines are most prevalent in women, with about 43% of them suffering from migraine headaches, compared to 18% when it comes to men. Besides the one-sided headache, some of the other symptoms of migraine headaches include:

•  Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
•  Aura- Visual illusions that patients tend to see.

What Causes Migraines?

Although it is not entirely clear what causes migraine headaches, experts seem to believe that they may result from changes in your brain, affecting how the nerves communicate. Additionally, studies have shown that migraines may also stem from genetic ties.

This means that if you have a family history of migraine headaches, you’re likely to be susceptible to the condition. Similarly, other causes of migraine headaches include the following:

• Hormonal changes- For example, during your menstrual cycle.
• Diet- Certain beverages we ingest can lead to migraines. These include alcohol and caffeine.
•  Stress and depression.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Environmental factors- These include strong smells, bright light, and temperature change.

Can Botox treat Migraines?

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is a drug that doctors mainly use to help smoothen fine lines and get rid of the wrinkles that appear during ageing. That said, Botox can also come in handy when it comes to treating various ailments, such as migraine headaches.

In 2010, the FDA approved the use of Botox for injection therapy as a preventative treatment for migraine headaches. Research shows that Botox injections can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by preventing the transmission of information from the motor nerve to the muscle.

This basically means that Botox acts as a blockade, thus preventing the transfer of pain signals from your brain to the area where migraine pain usually occurs. The best part about Botox injections as migraine treatments is that they offer no adverse side effects.

Once the Botox injections are administered, you will experience significant pain relief, which lasts for up to three and a half months. The number of injections a patient receives depends on the severity of the migraines and the specific location of the migraine pain. That said, doctors usually administer approximately twenty or more Botox injections during each treatment. 

Bottom Line

Although Botox offers a safe and effective treatment option for migraines, the treatment is not suitable for all people. For instance, if you are pregnant, or suffer from certain conditions such as difficulty while breathing, then Botox is a no-go-zone.

Therefore, it is highly crucial to find a suitable physician who will advise you accordingly and ensure that your interests are well met. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on pain treatments.