A migraine is a debilitating type of headache that can cause severe and pulsating pain which is often felt on one side of the head. What’s more, migraine headaches often come with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as light and sounds.
Migraine headaches affect millions of Canadians, often causing severe pain which impacts individuals’ daily activities and overall quality of life.
But the good news is, there are several effective treatments for migraine headaches, including medications, as well as dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
In 2011, after numerous clinical studies attested to its safety and effectiveness, Botox® injections were approved by Health Canada as a treatment for chronic migraine prevention.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most important things to know if you are considering getting Botox® treatment for your migraine headaches.
What is Botox?
Botox® is a medication containing purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When administered, this treatment relaxes muscles and is both safe and highly effective for the prevention of migraine headaches. In addition to migraines, Botox® is also used to successfully treat a number of other medical conditions, including muscle spasms and excessive sweating. It is prescribed for adults suffering from chronic migraine headaches, who have 15 or more headache days a month, with each migraine headache lasting 4 or more hours.
How does Botox for migraine headaches work?
While the exact mechanisms of action of Botox® treatment for migraines remain uncovered, scientists believe that it prevents migraine headaches by blocking the transmission of pain signals along the nerves between the head and neck and brain, where migraine pain originates.
As part of this treatment, your health practitioner will use a very thin needle to make a series of injections. Specifically, Botox® for migraine treatment usually involves injections into the forehead, temples, and the back regions of the head and neck.
What are the benefits of Botox treatment for migraines?
One of the main advantages of using Botox® injections to treat chronic migraines is that this treatment is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for the prevention of debilitating migraine pain. Importantly, Botox® can help to prevent migraine headaches before they start. Botox® treatment also has a clinically proven track record of significantly reducing the number of migraine headache days per month. In addition, Botox® treatment benefits are maintained over time.
Some other benefits of Botox® injections for migraines include the following:
- Reduced migraine headache intensity
- Improved response to migraine medications
- Reduction in migraine triggers
- Reduced neck pain
- Reduced migraine symptoms (including nausea)
How long do the effects of Botox treatment last?
It may take up to two weeks for the results of the injections to take effect. The effects of Botox® treatment for migraine headaches often last for three to four months, and injections are usually administered every 12 weeks. In addition, it is not recommended to receive Botox injections more often than at least 12 weeks apart.
How effective is Botox treatment for migraines?
According to medical research studies, Botox® treatment prevents eight to nine headache and migraine days a month. In addition, some people achieve lasting effects in the reduction of frequency of migraine headaches and can discontinue their Botox® injections without frequent migraines returning. Meanwhile, other people who suffer from chronic migraines may need regular treatments to keep migraines under control.
Who is eligible for Botox treatment for migraines?
Botox® injections to treat migraine headaches can be prescribed and administered to individuals aged over 18 years old and diagnosed with chronic migraines occurring on most days (15 or more) of the month and lasting for a minimum of 4 hours a day or longer.
What are the side effects of Botox treatment?
Botox for migraine headaches is a very safe and effective treatment. The side effects of this treatment are typically temporary, lasting from hours to a few days, and include the following. They can include some redness and soreness of the injection site, as well as some light bruising, fatigue, and dry mouth.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from chronic and debilitating migraine headaches, receiving Botox® injections for migraine treatment can be an effective treatment. It is recommended to ask your healthcare practitioner to determine if this treatment option can be a good fit for you.
References
https://dhpp.hpfb-dgpsa.ca/review-documents/resource/RDS00792
https://migrainecanada.org/posts/the-migraine-tree/branches/preventive-treatments/you-will-have-your-first-botox-injections-soon-what-can-you-expect/
