Botox for Migraines?
by Anna Hart
Filed under Relief for Migraines
Botox is widely known as a treatment for muscle conditions and wrinkles. In 2000, it was found that using Botox for migraines was successful also. With nearly 28 million Americans known to be migraineurs, the idea of using Botox for migraines was exciting, even though relief was temporary.
Does the Use of Botox for Migraines Work?
Clinical studies found that injecting Botox for migraines provided relief to the majority of users. These patients had fewer, as well as milder migraines during the 4-6 month treatment period. Further study revealed that instant relief came from injecting Botox for migraines in different sites on the head.
Richard Glogau, MD, a professor of dermatology at the University Of California, San Francisco, reported that 75 percent of patients in his case study experienced four to six months of migraine relief following injections of Botox to face and head muscles. Glogau’s small study of 24 patients adds weight to previous reports that Botox for migraines has great possibilities. Dr. GLogau’s study was delivered in a presentation at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery meeting, which was held from November 2 to November 5, 2000.
Benefits of Injecting Botox for Migraines
1. Injecting Botox for migraines relaxes the muscles.
2. Injecting Botox for migraines interferes in the conduction of nerve pain signals, preventing migraine pain.
3. Using Botox for migraines produces no side effects such as prescription medication often can.
4. Using Botox for migraines does not result in the weight gain brought on by some prescription medications.
5. Injecting Botox for migraines does not cause drowsiness.
Drawbacks of Injecting Botox for Migraines
1. Cost is a big factor when considering Botox for migraines. The treatments may seem expensive at $350 each, and are not covered by health insurance.
2. The USFDA has not yet approved the use of Botox for migraines.
3. Federal law prohibits dispensing Botox for migraines without prescription.
4. The optimal dose of Botox for migraines is unknown.
5. More research is needed concerning the optimal sites for injecting Botox for migraines.
Although using Botox for migraines appears to be costly, the real cost is determined by dividing by the 4 to 6 months between doses compared to monthly preventive drug costs. It is also important to remember that prescription drugs and nasal sprays are not designed for use like Botox for migraines.
I have tried Botox for my migraines. It gives me relief after a fierce migraine for maybe two weeks if I’m lucky. Yes, it’s effective, but not very long-lasting. I have a dermatologist inject it into my forehead. Once I got approved for Botox treatments by my insurance company. I had to have the treatments by a neurologist only. That was a horror story. He injected a little bit all over my head and for 15 solid days I suffered from an ongoing Migraine. It was a nightmare! And my eyebrows went off the charts too. He just totally messed me up. Any plastic surgeon or dermatologist can do it without any problems.
I also tried Botox for my migraines. The relief usually only lasted 3-4 weeks, and wasn’t worth the 27 injections in my forehead and temples. It had 3 rounds of Botox injections and when the 3rd round lasted only 4 days, I decided it just wasn’t the treatment for me.
I’m on week 3 of my botox. I have chronic complex daily migraines. Nothing has worked at all for me. The thing with botox, it differs from TPI (trigger point injections) where you may feel immediate relief. With TPI’s I would have over 40 injection sites… and I’m certainly not exaggerating. TPI’s did very little for me. Botox… well… I’m not sure yet. My between migraine pain is better, but I have not noticed a difference in frequency or severity of migraines. On the brighter side, I no longer have spasms in my muscles above my left ear!
My fiancee’s sister has botox for her migraines as well, but they work splendidly for her. I’ve been hoping that I would be in the same boat.
I had Botox for my chronic daily migraines. I did not respond to the treatment and similar to Cynthia, I had a long-lasting migraine after my botox treatment as well. I had roughly 15 shots from my forehead to the back of my head. It slightly eased the pain for a few weeks but I actually felt that some of my migraines were worse after I got the treatment.
I am in my first week of botox for migraines. I have complex migraines, with stroke like symptoms, affecting my right side, vision and speech. I average about 3 migraine attacks a week. Well, had between 20-30 injection from my neurologist on Friday and have had the aura of migraine twice now, followed by a normal headache, didn’t even have to take any pain relievers. Also, no stroke like symptoms, just tingling in my face and a little in my arm. My neurologist said it would take up to 4 weeks for full effectiveness. I am keeping my fingers crossed, have tried everything under the sun, this is pretty much my last hope. I do have “hooded eyes” now, and cant move my eyebrows, but a small price to pay if this works. Good luck to everyone else out there, hope you find your relief.
I’d just like to correct you Anna. I’m an aesthetic doctor – I have to point out that the statement “using Botox for migraines produces no side effects” is not quite right.
While I AGREE wholeheartedly that the treatment is safe, there certainly CAN be potential side effects. Of course during the consultation a doctor will review all the potential complications, however for your readers I’ll provide a quick summary here…
Of course you should remember these are potential side effects, doens’t mean that it will happen. Most treatments go smoothly
1) Side effect of the injection itself: slight bruising, swelling, redness, itch, tenderness.
2) Potential for allergic reactions (rare)
3) Potenital for distant spread (rare)
If anyone experiences shortness of breath, difficulty talking or swallowing after Botox treatments they should immediately seek medical advice.
Sorry, that’s just my 2 cents worth!
Ciao
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