BOTOX FOR MIGRANES

As someone suffering from migraines, you might feel hopeless about the disappointing results for treatments. Some patients respond well to medication, but many people have a hard time finding relief from the pain. Luckily, new treatments are now available, such as Botox for migraines in Nashville TN.

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is made with OnabotulinumtoxinA – a poison created by Clostridium botulinum (a type of bacteria). This neurotoxin can be deadly when consumed in spoiled food because it causes botulism when ingested. But Botox is safe when injected since it isn’t digested. Additionally, the dosage is much smaller compared to the amount you would consume in spoiled food.

When Botox enters the body, it has an effect that paralyzes muscle function and blocks nerve signals. This reaction in the stomach can have serious consequences for your health. On the other hand, relaxing the muscles in the face can have a positive benefit to smooth wrinkles.

HOW BOTOX HELPS MIGRANES. . .

Medical experts think that Botox is an effective migraine treatment because it blocks the pain signals in the brain. When the injection is done, it disrupts communication between the Botox signal and the brain response that recognizes the pain. Additionally, if migraines happen because of tension in the muscles, then Botox can be beneficial for relaxing those muscles, which eases the pain.

Botox is an FDA-approved treatment that works best for chronic migraines. It is not recommended for people who experience occasional headaches.

MEDICAL VS. COSMETIC BOTOX

The general population is familiar with Botox because of its cosmetic benefits: smoothing wrinkles and erasing fine lines. While Botox is often used in anti-aging treatments, it is also becoming more widely known for its medical benefits as well.

For example, shots of Botox can help to relax the muscles and reduce spasms and tics for people who have cerebral palsy and other nerve diseases. Additionally, relaxing facial muscles can have a positive impact on decreasing migraine headaches.

This discovery was made when people who experienced migraine headaches had Botox for cosmetic purposes, then found that the headaches went away after the injections. These reports led doctors to study Botox for migraines, and eventually, it was approved as a treatment for severe, chronic headaches. 

For optimal results, it is best to get these Botox shots from someone who is trained in both the cosmetic and medical uses of the injection. If a provider focuses on wrinkle treatment only, then the injections might not be as effective as possible. We are skilled in both medical and cosmetic injections and can assist with your unique needs.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR MIGRAINE BOTOX TREATMENTS?

In 2010, Botox was approved for use as a migraine treatment for adults. But a patient needs to meet specific requirements for this treatment to be used. You must have:

  • A history of consistent migraine headaches

  • Headaches more than half of the days of the month, with migraine-level pain on at least 8 of those days

Botox isn’t approved as a migraine treatment if you:

  • Have other types of headaches, such as cluster headaches

  • Have headaches 14 or fewer days per month

WILL BOTOX CURE MY MIGRAINES?

Botox injections won’t make your migraines go away completely. But many people find that the injections are beneficial for reducing the number of headaches per month. Proper Botox treatment boosts the number of pain-free days you experience, which has a positive impact on all aspects of life. Not only can reduce the headache days give you a brighter perspective on life, but it is also important to reduce missed days from work.

In most cases, patients notice benefits from the first Botox for migraines injection. Some people have reported that the benefits improve with subsequent treatments. But every person is unique, which is why it is important to work with a Botox specialist for personal recommendations.

BOTOX TREATMENT SCHEDULING FOR MIRGRANES:

Keep in mind that you won’t walk away from the Botox appointment feeling pain-free. Instead, it takes between 2 and 3 weeks before you will experience the full results. These results typically last for a few months before it is time for another appointment. A common recommendation is to schedule a Botox appointment every 12 weeks.

During each appointment, several shots of Botox are injected around your head and neck with the goal of preventing or dulling the pain from migraine headaches. The number of shots varies from patient to patient, but you might need as many as 30 to 40 shots to achieve the desired results. These shots are placed on both sides of your head, with an increased focus on the areas where you notice the most migraine pain.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS FROM BOTOX INJECTIONS:

Botox is minimally-invasive, so most people don’t experience any major side effects from the treatment. But, as with other medical treatments, there are potential risks from these injections:

  • Neck pain

  • Redness, swelling, bleeding, or bruising at the injection site

  • Headache after treatment

  • Allergic reaction (hives, swelling, shortness of breath)

  • Increased sweating

  • Muscle weakness near the injection sites

  • Muscle stiffness

  • Vision changes

Even if you feel a bit of discomfort after Botox injections, many people feel that Botox for migraines is worth the side effects because of the ongoing benefits that are enjoyed. A few days of discomfort is better than suffering from severe migraines for months.

BOTOX FOR MIGRAINES: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Every person is unique, which is why you shouldn’t assume that this treatment is the right solution for your needs. Some patients try other options first, such as medications. Then, they turn to Botox for migraines when the medications aren’t effective for pain management. On the other hand, some people don’t want to worry about taking medication, so they try Botox as one of the first treatments for migraines.

If you are considering Botox for migraines, then the best thing that you can do is schedule an appointment with an experienced provider. We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your symptoms, talk about potential treatment options, and design a personalized plan that fits your needs. Call Hatef Aesthetics today to learn more about available services.