Botox for Migraines: Does It Really Work?
When will the headaches let up? If you're suffering from tension headaches or chronic migraines, you're not the only one. According to the National Migraine Centre, migraines affect one in seven people in the world.
This unrelenting pain can affect your quality of life or leave you popping pills for short-term relief.
Many people with chronic migraines take preventive medicines to ease the pain. However, many people don't get the real relief they need.
Can botox for migraines help? Keep reading to find out!
Then, you can find the answer to unlocking real pain relief.
What is Botox?
Botox is a poison, or neurotoxin, created from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. When doctors use Botox, it blocks signals from the nerves, paralysing the muscles. This makes the neurotoxin ideal for smoothing out wrinkles and relieving tics caused by cerebral palsy.
Patients who initially used Botox for skin care treatments began noticing headache relief as well. As a result, doctors starting researching the benefits of Botox for migraines.
Does Botox for Migraines Work?
During your treatment, the doctor will use a small needle to inject the Botox. Treatments usually involve 31 injections in seven areas of your head or neck. One Botox treatment for migraines lasts for 10 to 12 weeks. Botox can also be combined with dermal fillers for certain treatments for improved effectiveness.
So does Botox for migraines work?
While doctors aren't sure why it's effective, current research says "yes."
Botox paralyses nerve terminals. It's likely Botox relaxes the muscles and stops pain signals from transmitting.
This research concluded that treating patients with Botox is effective in reducing monthly headache days. As a result, Botox injections for migraines can help improve a patient's quality of life.
According to this study, 70% of patients treated with Botox had a 50% reduction in the number of headaches they experienced.
However, this research indicates Botox for migraines is effective as a route for prevention. It doesn't mean Botox works as a cure.
Benefits vs. Risks
The treatment is relatively painless. You'll feel a small pinprick during the injections.
In addition to stopping your headaches, Botox can also help reduce related symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights, smells
However, it can take as long as two weeks for you to start experiencing this relief.
You might also need multiple treatments before Botox for migraines proves effective.
The complications and side effects are rare but do exist. For example, you might feel stiffness or pain around the injection site. In some cases, you'll develop a headache or temporary muscle weakness.
However, many of these side effects fade naturally after a few days.
Though it's rare, Botox can sometimes spread beyond the injection site. This can lead to:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Vision issues
- Drooping eyelids
To avoid these side effects, make sure you're receiving Botox injections from a licensed, trained medical professional.
Piercing the Pain Away with Botox for Migraines
Eager to ease away your pain? All you need is a few quick pinpricks. With Botox for migraines, you can finally experience relief to the headaches that are impacting your day to day life.
Ready for relief? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for Botox injections!
