Botox for Chronic Migraine

OnabotulinumtoxinA, also known as Botox® is the only FDA-approved botulinum toxin for chronic migraine. Chronic migraine means headache on 15 or more days a month and of them, 8 or more are migraine, for longer than 3 months period. Botox® is one of the most effective treatments for chronic migraine and has helped over 1 million migraine sufferers since its FDA approval in 2010.

Botox® is injected around pain fibers that are involved in headaches. Botox® enters the nerve endings around where it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. This prevents activation of pain networks in the brain.

Botox® prevents migraine headaches before they start but it takes time to work. Patients see increasing benefits with an increase in number of treatment cycles. One treatment lasts for 10-12 weeks, and patients reported that two rounds of Botox® treatments reduced the number of headache days by approximately 50%.

Source: Americal Migraine Foundation

WHAT TO EXPECT

During the visit, your face, neck, and shoulder areas for injections will be cleaned. You may sit upright or recline in an exam chair. Total 31 injections of Botox® will be administered in face, head, neck, and shoulders which are the FDA approved injection protocol.

These injections are administered with a small needle to your face, head, neck and shoulders, and are given every three months in a series. It is very safe and well-tolerated treatment, and it’s a great alternative or additional treatment to those who are taking multiple oral medications daily to suppress migraine frequency and severity.

 FAQs

  • Botox for chronic migraine has a protocol to inject 155 units in 31 sites.

  • Most clients describe the sensation as a tiny pinch. The needle used is quite small, goes in smoothly, and the neurotoxin is injected quickly, resulting in minimal pain. Numbing agents are not typically used for this treatment.

  • There is virtually zero downtime with neurotoxin treatments. Often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure,” most patients can return to work or normal activities immediately. Some redness and swelling may occur at the injection sites but usually subside within a few hours. Minor bruising is rare.

  • The benefits from Botox injection for chronic migraine are supposed to last 3 months. Therefore, repeating Botox every 3 months (or 12 weeks) is highly recommended.

  • Botox injections are very low-risk procedures. The most reported side effects include headaches, minor bruising, and swelling at the injection site, although these are rare.

  • Make sure you keep track of your headache/migraine in a headache diary before and after treatment.

  • Botox® is the only neurotoxin that was approved for use of chronic migraine so far. Therefore, our clinic exclusively uses Botox® for migraine treatment, with an exception for those who have history of developing antibodies or allergies to Botox®, then we will discuss further options.

  • We do not accept insurance at this time. We will guide you through the process how you can get Botox treatment for migraine under insurance coverage at a neurology clinic, if you are qualified.

Disclaimer: This information provided is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this content is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Use of this information is at your own risk. We are not responsible for any adverse effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided.