Botox For Migraines a Pill Or Injection
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is an injectable neuromodulator that blocks chemicals that carry pain signals to the brain. In contrast to oral headache medications, which treat a migraine after it starts, botox works as a preventive treatment by blocking the release of these chemicals before they reach nerve endings. You can get Botox as a series of shots around the head and neck.
A medical professional injects the medication into shallow muscles of the scalp and forehead using a tiny needle that feels like a pinprick. The total treatment takes about 20 minutes and typically involves 31 injections in seven areas of the head and neck. You will need to repeat the treatment every 12 weeks for it to work.
In some studies, it has been shown that two rounds of Botox injections reduce the number of migraine days by half in chronic migraine sufferers. However, it is important to note that migraine is a fluctuating disease. So, if you do not experience significant improvement after two treatments, it is important to continue the treatment and stick with it for as long as you can.
Can Botox Help For Migraine Relief
It is important to find an experienced headache specialist or neurologist who has experience treating migraine patients with Botox. If the doctor does not have a good track record with this type of therapy, you may have difficulty getting your insurance company to cover the costs of the procedure or find another provider who does. The manufacturer of the drug, Allergan, offers a savings program and patient assistance program to help with costs.
Is Botox For Migraines a Pill Or Injection?
You must also be sure that you are properly diagnosed with chronic migraine, which requires you to have 15 or more migraine days per month. Other headaches, including episodic migraine (headaches on fewer than 15 days each month) and tension-type headache, are not treated with Botox. It is also not a treatment for cluster headache, a type of pain that occurs in groups or cycles.
Can Botox be an effective solution for migraines
Despite these potential risks, the use of Botox is generally considered safe if you are a good candidate for it and are seeing a qualified physician. The most common side effects include neck pain and muscle weakness near the injection site. Drooping eyelids and other facial weakness have also been reported, but are usually not a problem for most people.
Exploring the potential of Botox for migraine relief
If you are a candidate for Botox, it is worth trying the treatment, as it is well-tolerated and has been proven effective. You may need to commit to a series of injections, since the effects of the treatment are not permanent. You should expect to return for regular treatments if you decide to make this your long-term treatment plan.
If your insurer is reluctant to cover the cost of Botox, you should ask if they will cover other preventive therapies, such as NSAIDs or triptans. You should also be prepared to keep a headache diary and follow any recommendations for dosage and usage from your doctor.
