Botox for Chronic Migraines Chronic Migraine Headache Treatment & Relief
About Botox for Chronic Migraines Headache Treatment Physicians are finding that Botox can be utilized for more than treating wrinkles. Botox is currently being used for Hair Loss Treatments, Wrinkle treatments, and Chronic Migraine Headaches Treatment; just to name a few. Recent studies indicate that Botox (Botulinum Toxin) may reduce the frequency and number of headaches in migraine sufferers. The use of Botox for chronic migraine treatment seems to act by diminishing muscular strain in the frontal regions that act as triggers for the onset of a migraine. Temporary paralysis of these muscle groups for 3 to 6 months from Botox reduces chronic headache symptoms.
Alternatives to Botox chronic migraine headaches treatment could be commonly prescribed prophylactic medications include tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Nortriptyline [Pamelor], Amitriptyline [Elavil]); beta blockers (e.g., Nadolol [Corgard], Propranolol [Inderal]); serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine [Prozac]); and antiseizure medications (e.g., Valproate [Depakote]). doctor-b1
When a Botox chronic migraine treatment is effective, the need for daily medications or acute medicines for severe attacks may be significantly reduced or entirely eliminated. There are essentially no long-term side effects from the injections, thus making the use of Botox for chronic migraine headaches treatment an attractive option for patients. Usually, patients do not begin to experience migraine relief for two to three weeks after first injecting Botox. Thereafter, the effect may increase and patients can experience a duration of three to four months of relief at a time.
Botox has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 15 years and for wrinkle therapy for almost 10 years. It has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of various neurological disorders. In the amounts used for migraine headaches treatment, the typically occurring potential side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. However, medical treatment is not an exact science and the degree of the improvement is variable. Occasionally there is no improvement and another form of treatment may be required.
There is no recovery time needed after the use of Botox. Most individuals choose to resume normal activities immediately. Pain during migraine treatment is minimal—when Botox is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is typically no discomfort.
Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen-like medications for 1 week before the use of Botox for chronic migraine headache treatment.
After treating chronic migraine with Botox you should:
Avoid lying down or massaging the treated area for 4 hours after treatment. Do not exercise for 24 hours. Exercise the treated muscles for a few hours after the treatment. If you get a headache (as some people do for few hours after the treatment) you may take a Tylenol, unless otherwise advised by your physician. You may take Arnica tablets if there is any bruising in the site of injections, or if you are prone to bruising. You will notice the effect of the Botox in 5 to 10 days. If you suffer from migraine headaches and are interested in learning more about Botox chronic migraine headaches treatment, please feel free to contact our office for a private consultation visit.
