When you think of Botox®, wrinkle reduction and anti-aging efforts come to mind. The injectable medication has many non-cosmetic applications, however — including reduction of frequency and intensity of migraine episodes. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Botox to treat migraines in 2010.
At the Vero Beach, Florida, office of pain management specialist Dr. Michael Esposito, patients with chronic migraines benefit from regular Botox treatment. If you suffer with migraines for 15 or more days each month, here’s what you should know about the role Botox can play in treating them.
Migraines aren’t just a bad headache. They’re an entire neurological event that causes throbbing or pulsating head pain, usually on one side of your head. Migraines can last a few hours or a few days, and their pain and severity can cause you to miss work or school, social events, and simple daily chores.
In addition to head pain, migraines can cause:
There’s no cure for migraines, but Botox can be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of your migraine episodes.
Botox is a purified form of a protein made from Clostridium botulinum. Botox blocks the production of acetylcholine, a chemical that plays a key role in sending signals from nerve cells.
When Dr. Esposito injects Botox into areas of your scalp, forehead, and neck, its ability to block acetylcholine causes muscles to relax and prevents nerves from sending pain messages.
Botox treatments don’t get rid of migraine pain forever. After a few months, the nerves develop new pain fibers and migraines return. Plan to repeat treatments every three months or so.
For many people, Botox injections control migraine symptoms sufficiently. But it’s not unusual to require more care that includes other medications like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, or anti-seizure medications. It’s still important for you to avoid known migraine triggers, too.
When you come in for Botox, Dr. Esposito uses a very tiny needle to place the injections in the shallow muscles in the skin around your head and neck. Treatment usually involves 31 injections in seven key areas. You’ll feel a slight pinprick, but most patients tolerate the treatment quite well.
The whole appointment takes about 20 minutes. Botox requires some time to take full effect, and you’ll get the best effects 2-3 weeks after treatment. Some people find it takes several rounds of treatment and up to six months to experience serious relief from migraines.
Effective migraine treatment helps restore your quality of life. Call Interventional Spine & Pain Institute or use this website to book your appointment today so Dr. Esposito can help you with Botox and other migraine treatments.
