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Migraines are so much more than just a headache. They can be extremely painful and debilitating, and they can prevent you from completing day-to-day tasks. To get help, many people are turning to Botox for migraines. Although this treatment is becoming more and more popular almost every day, there are still a lot of myths about the process.
To help you decide if this approach to migraine prevention is right for you, here’s a look at some of the most pervasive myths about this procedure and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Botox for Migraines Is One of Many Preventative Migraine Treatments
Unfortunately, this is not true. According to the American Migraine Foundation, there are a number of drugs that can help with migraine prevention. These drugs include blood pressure medication, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and vitamins. None of these medications are expressly sold for migraine prevention. There aren’t really any FDA-approved therapies that work as migraine prevention either. If you don’t want to take medication every day, you may want to check out Botox for migraines.
Myth #2: Everyone Can Benefit From Botox for Migraines
Ideally, you shouldn’t turn to this treatment if you just have one or two mild headaches every month. Instead, Botox for migraines is best for people who have severe and debilitating migraines. A statement from the FDA says this refers to people who have at least 14 headaches per month, but according to Neurology Reviews, that includes people in the following categories:
- People who have six or more migraines per month
- People who have four or more migraines that cause functional disabilities per month
- People with three or more migraines that require bed rest per month.
If your situation is borderline, you may want to talk with your doctor to see if Botox is the right option in your situation.
Myth #3: Botox Can Make You Ill
Botox features the same toxin that can lead to botulism, but that only happens when you orally ingest Botox. When you get Botox for migraines, it’s injected into your muscles. There, it has a drastically different and more beneficial effect than consuming it. Additionally, the amount that is injected is very small.
Myth #4: Botox Changes How You Look
A lot of people use Botox to eliminate wrinkles or make themselves look younger. In this situation, the injection temporarily paralyzes your muscles, causing your frown lines or other small wrinkles to release their hold on your face. When you turn to Botox for migraines, you may have similar effects, but it’s important to note those effects are temporary. They usually only last a few months. Additionally, the changes are very subtle, and most people don’t even notice them.
Myth #5: Using Botox for Migraines Is Experimental
Luckily, this is not true. The use of Botox for migraines went through extensive testing well over a decade ago. The procedure has been approved for use in this way by the FDA since 2008. During the past 10 years, there have been no serious reports of unexpected issues or complications.
To learn more or to set up an appointment, contact us at Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery today.