Is Botox For Migraine Safe >Migraine is the most common neurological disorder in the world and affects about 10% of the population. Botulinum toxin, commonly known as botox or neurotoxin, has been used for aesthetic purposes in humans. There is increasing evidence that it can also be used to treat some neurological disorders such as chronic migraine, secondary headaches and cervicogenic headaches among many more.
A migraine is a severe headache that may include symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light, sound and sometimes even smells. There are many traditional ways to treat migraine headaches. Many people turn to prescription drugs for treatment; however, Botox is fast becoming one of the most popular. In fact, it has achieved this status very quickly. Just a few short years ago its use was limited to just a few conditions. Today, doctors prescribe Botox for several different medical conditions ranging from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, spasticity and stability with high blood pressure medications. In addition, cosmetic physicians are now turning to Botox for cosmetic uses. Benefit. Read on to learn more about Botox For Migraines What To Expect/Botox For Migraines Side Effects.
Is Botox For Migraine Safe
Botox works to prevent migraines from occurring, unlike most treatments or medications that are designed to halt migraine in its tracks once it has started. Botox is estimated to prevent somewhere around eight or nine headache days each month which, for chronic migraine sufferers who experience 15 or more headaches a month means you could reduce your painful days by half.
Botox (proper name OnabotulinumtoxinA or just Botox-A) is a bacteria-produced neurotoxic protein. The Botox injections block some of the chemical signals in the body, specifically those responsible for muscle contraction. . Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine and so prevents the muscles contracting. While we are not really certain exactly why Botox relieves migraine pain, it is thought that this relaxing of muscles helps to block pain signals that would otherwise reach the patient’s brain.
Botox For Migraines What To Expect
Botox appointments are very quick and can be done right in your doctor’s office in about 15-30 minutes. You don’t need to do anything to prepare, but your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications a few days prior to the injection. You should also inform your doctor if you’ve had a Botox injection in the past four months, even if it wasn’t an injection for migraines.
During your appointment, your doctor may numb your skin with a topical anesthetic. You may receive several shots during the procedure in the areas on your head and neck where you feel pain. The shots may feel like a slight pinch.
After the procedure, you’re welcome to go home immediately. It’s safe to drive yourself home, but you may want to bring someone along just in case.
While most people associate Botox with its ability to smooth out facial wrinkles, it’s also been approved to work as a powerful treatment for migraines.
Migraines affect about 10% of people around the world and are about three times more common in women than men. Chronic migraines, which are defined as migraine episodes that occur more than 15 days out of any given month, affect about 1% of people.
Chronic migraines can greatly impact daily life due to the pain and other symptoms they cause. Fortunately, Botox has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing migraine-related pain. In one study, patients reported experiencing 50% fewer headache days while receiving Botox treatment.
To shine more light on this promising migraine treatment, Florida Medical Clinic neurologist Dr. Carrie Downey explains some of the benefits of Botox for migraines, and what patients can expect during a typical Botox treatment.
The areas injected might feel bruised or tender for a few days and you may also notice your migraine symptoms are temporarily more severe or you may have a migraine attack in the days following the treatment. You can use your usual acute treatment (e.g. painkillers, triptans) as needed during this period.
- Headaches or sore neck
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Drooping eyelids or eyebrows
- Temporarily blurred vision
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
More serious side effects are rare, but possible in patients with muscle or nerve conditions or breathing-related problems. For this reason, it’s important to see a board-licensed neurologist so that they can determine if Botox is a safe migraine treatment for you.
Botox For Migraines Side Effects
Botox is injected into specific areas of your head and neck involved in migraine pain. The effect lasts for about 3 months.
Botox injections were developed to block neurotransmitters that tell your muscles to contract. By blocking these signals between your body and your brain, Botox diminishes the appearance of wrinkles.
However, blocking neurotransmitters is also a way to prevent migraine attacks. Botox blocks the release of these chemicals from reaching your nerve endings and causing pain.
Migraine attacks are typically best treated right at the very beginning of an attack — but it can really difficult to do that.
Botox can work as a preventive treatment that keeps your brain from receiving the initial migraine signals, without the risk of “rebound headache” that comes with many oral medications.
How long does a Botox treatment take
With an experienced provider, a Botox treatment will take about 20 minutes. Your first treatment might take a little longer to fill out paperwork and to speak with your provider about concerns and questions.
How many injections will I have to get
More than you might think. If you’re getting Botox for migraine treatment, expect to get 30 or so injections, all in targeted areas in your forehead and neck. These areas are different than the targeted areas where you’d have Botox for a cosmetic treatment, like smoothing out your forehead.
How much does Botox hurt
People with different pain tolerance (and different expectations) may answer this question differently. Botox needles hurt as much as any injection would, and the experience is over quickly. Be prepared for it to feel a little uncomfortable, and have an ice pack on hand to soothe inflammation or pain afterward.
Costs to consider
- immediate out-of-pocket costs
- long-term higher cost of insurance
- your time
- the pain of injections
What will your total monetary cost be? That depends on your insurance. If you have Chronic Migraine and commercial insurance, you’ll likely have coverage.
“In 2018, about 96% of insurance benefit verification covered Botox for Chronic Migraine,” said Lisa Hughes, Director of Advocacy Alliance for Allergan. “Based on 2017 claims data, the average out of pocket for drug cost is $177.06. There is an additional cost for the physician to administer.”
The Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients (CHAMP) has a handy guide to the financial assistance programs available for Botox. Access it here. You may be also able to save some money through the Botox Savings Program.
Of course, there’s also the needle pain. Botox injections can be quite painful – especially if you’re experiencing an active Migraine attack. It’s important to stay on schedule for Botox for Migraine to fully work, though, so reschedule at your own risk.