Botox as a treatment for a migraine came to the forefront when some of the people coincidentally discovered relief from migraines after their Botox injections for fine lines and wrinkles. This was when the Botox came into being as a preventive measure for chronic migraine headaches. So, if a person is experiencing chronic migraine headaches and searching for a preventive measure, then Botox can be a popular option.
Let us take a closer look at some of the things you should know about Botox treatment for migraine before opting for the same.
In the treatment process of Botox for migraine, the patient receives several shots of Botox. These shots are given around the neck and head. The duration of the treatment continues for once in every 12 weeks in order to lessen the effect of or prevent migraine headaches.
The entire process might include 30 to 40 shots of Botox, and these injections are equally divided on each of the sides of the patient’s head. In case a person experiences severe migraine pain on a particular spot, then he or she may require more shots on the affected side. The results of the Botox treatment for migraine would be seen after a period of two to three weeks from your first treatment. A person should resort to Botox in case of chronic migraine headaches. There are a number of trained professionals who are popular in giving Botox treatments. It is also advisable to first research about the clinic, treatment procedure, medications involved, side effects of the treatment, and consult your doctor. One should not visit the cosmetic surgeon to get the Botox shots for migraine.
How does Botox work for migraine headaches?
Botox is a prescription medicine that is used as an injection to prevent chronic headaches or migraine in adults. The Botox shots are given to adults who have been experiencing migraine for 15 or more days in each month. These headaches should reportedly last for four or more hours per day. However, it is yet not proved that Botox can be an effective treatment in preventing migraine headaches for people below the age of 18 and those who have headaches lasting for 14 or fewer days each month.
The Botox treatment for migraine offers relief to the chronic headaches. There are studies on Botox for migraine treatment claiming to reduce the number of days of chronic headaches and also other types of headaches. The Botox injections also offer pain-free days to some.
Most of the doctors think that Botox treatment works for migraine headaches as it can block the chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals carry the pain signals to form the brain. Therefore, Botox acts as a hindrance in the pathway and effectively breaks chemical before they can reach to the endings of the nerve surrounding the neck and head.
Side effects
One of the most common side effects of people who use Botox for migraine is neck pain along with a severe headache. Also, there are some rare instances people experience an allergic reaction to Botox. Some of the symptoms of the allergic reaction can include shortness of breath, hives, swelling in lower legs. Therefore, it is important to always consult your doctor before you take medications related to Botox to avoid any further complications. Also, it is advisable to seek for immediate medical intervention in case a person experiences any of the side effects of the treatment of Botox for migraine.
Effects of toxin spread
Also, the effects of botulinum toxin can be away from the areas of the injection and some of the serious signs of side effects may include weakening of muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, change or loss of voice, loss of strength, trouble in talking and swallowing. It is highly recommended to get medical help right away in case a person experiences any of these symptoms post Botox treatment for migraine.
One might look bruised or tired after the treatment
There are quite a few cases which confirms that post Botox treatment for migraine, the head feels heavier. One might experience little to no movement, depending on the number of units that have been injected. Also, in some of the cases, the forehead looks bruised due to the several shots of Botox and the person might feel tired.
It may be preventive and not an abortive measure
Botox is considered to be a preventive measure for chronic migraine headaches. Also, for people who have been experiencing chronic migraine and have resorted to Botox treatment, did not appear to have benefited largely.