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If you’re a chronic migraine sufferer, you’ve probably tried every treatment out there. You’ve tried meditation, yoga, dark rooms, and just about every vitamin and supplement you can think of. You’ve talked to your family and friends, gone to the doctor, and maybe even visited holistic alternatives. But have you tried Botox for migraines?
If you’re tired of chronic migraines taking control of your life and you’re ready to stop migraine headaches dead in their tracks, read on to see if Botox is right for you.
What is Botox?
Botox, also called botulinum toxin type A, is a prescription medicine injected into the muscles to treat a wide variety of medical and cosmetic issues. You may have heard how Botox is the only FDA-approved treatment for improving the appearance of severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. But did you know that Botox is also used to treat a whole host of medical issues, including overactive bladder symptoms, incontinence, muscle stiffness, neck pain, eye muscle problems like strabismus and blepharospasms, TMJ, and, more recently, headaches in adults with chronic migraine?
How Does Botox for Migraines Work?
Botox injections received approval by the FDA nearly ten years ago for migraine relief, making Botox the only FDA-approved preventive treatment for chronic migraine. The injections work by blocking the release of neurotransmitters and certain chemical signals from nerves linked to causing pain. That means the Botox effectively blocks headaches before they even start. Studies show that patients treated with Botox injections experience a significant decrease in the frequency of headaches and a sizeable increase in pain-free days.
What Is Botox for Migraine Treatment Like?
Botox for migraine treatment easily fits into your busy life. The appointments take less time than the average doctor’s appointment and are infrequent, with each session taking around 15 minutes every 12 weeks. When selecting a doctor, it’s important to meet with a Botox specialist with experience and training with Botox and facial anatomy. A skilled Botox specialist will customize the injections to your face, where one millimeter can make a world of difference.
The doctor administering the Botox will perform the injections using a small needle. You will receive around 31 injections, depending on the contours of your face and neck. Although there is some expected mild discomfort from the injections, patients report that the injections feel like tiny pinpricks.
When Can I Expect Results?
Patients report noticing the positive effects of Botox an average of two to four days after the first treatment with the maximum effect taking seven to 10 days. While Botox isn’t a cure for chronic migraines, you will notice that headaches and migraines significantly decrease. The results last three to four months for most patients.
Are There Side Effects?
As with all medications, there may be minor side effects with the use of Botox. In the clinical trials, side effects were mild and infrequent. To minimize side effects, only have your injections administered by a Botox specialist.
Don’t let debilitating headaches control your life. Botox is the only FDA-approved treatment to prevent chronic migraines. If you’ve had enough of the stranglehold chronic migraines have on your quality of life, contact us today to schedule an appointment at Greater Atlanta Oral and Facial Surgery. Relief is only a phone call away.