There’s the occasional headaches and then there are migraine headaches. The latter of which can cause debilitating pain, light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting and affect a person’s quality of life.
While pain relievers, preventative medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other conventional treatments are effective for some migraine sufferers, they may not work for everyone.
Fortunately, Botox is an FDA-approved treatment designed to prevent chronic migraines and offers an alternative solution for many women and men.
So, how does it work? Continue reading as we explain everything you need to know about Botox for migraines.
How Does Botox Alleviate Migraines?
Botox is a non-invasive injectable treatment that can be performed in an office-setting and takes only 15 minutes. Using an ultra-fine needle, the neurotoxin is delivered to sites spread across seven head and neck muscle areas.
Within the next several days to weeks, Botox begins blocking the release of chemicals that transmit pain signals. In doing so, it is able to prevent the occurrence and severity of migraines.
Who is a Good Candidate for this Treatment?
Botox for migraines received FDA-approval in 2010 and is indicated for the treatment of chronic migraines. Therefore, it is meant for individuals that experience 15 or more headache days per month.
Additionally, this therapeutic use of Botox is recommended for patients that tried and been unable to achieve relief with conventional migraine treatments.
Individuals that have experienced negative side effects from migraine medications may also be candidates for Botox.
Botox for Migraines – How Long Does It Last?
Women and men seeking Botox for migraines typically enjoy migraine relief for up to 12 weeks. At this time, they should undergo another treatment cycle to maintain benefits.
It’s also important to note that it may take several treatments to experience optimal effects. In fact, studies have shown that after five Botox treatments, patients experienced 9.2 fewer headache days per month.
If you are considering Botox for migraines, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and talented injectors.