BOTOX for Migraines: Is It Worth It?11 min read

Aesthetica Editorial Team

Do you have chronic migraines that get in the way of your work, school, or even household chores? If your answer is yes, then the answer to the question is also a YES; BOTOX for migraines is worth it, and we will tell you why.

Migraine is more than a simple lousy headache. Chronic migraine is in the top 20 most disabling diseases. Migraine attacks (more than the excruciating pain) get in the way of our jobs, our studies, and our time with our loved ones.

BOTOX has been around for a while, yet not all people know it can be a preventive therapy against migraine. So, how can BOTOX help migraines diminish? Is it as effective as they say it is?

You might have tried all types of over-the-counter and prescription painkillers. Unfortunately, most of these have side effects, and some will also cause you headaches.

BOTOX stands out as a migraine treatment because it has a standardized dosage for all, no matter how severe your condition is. You don’t ingest, so your stomach and other internal organs are safe. It is targeted directly to the areas where it is needed.

BOTOX and Headaches

You might have heard of BOTOX as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. It has helped people smoothen those fine lines and creases for over three decades.

BOTOX is also approved for other muscle disorders. For example, it was proven to prevent and ease chronic migraine problems only a decade ago.
The FDA conducted a clinical study on 1,384 adults in 122 different North American and European sites. In October 2010, the FDA announced its approval of Botox as a migraine treatment.

The adults chosen for the study were already reporting chronic migraine symptoms. However, after six months of treatment, they noted incredibly reduced hours of symptoms per month.

Nowadays, BOTOX migraine injections are readily available in most health clinics. It is a valuable addition to the minimal options for easing chronic migraine symptoms.

BOTOX as a migraine treatment, however, is not for everybody. So, how would you know if you qualify for BOTOX migraine injections?

According to the FDA, BOTOX is advisable only for people experiencing chronic migraine. Chronic migraine is when you suffer severe symptoms that last for more than 4 hours per day and occur over 15 times per month.

The FDA does not approve BOTOX for those who have episodic migraine or people experiencing fewer and less frequent symptoms. Studies were also done on this group but did not yield effective results.

BOTOX As a Migraine Treatment

Does BOTOX help migraines disappear? How does BOTOX help for migraines exactly?

Chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters carry pain signals to our nerve endings, thus causing headaches. BOTOX acts as a roadblock to prevent these chemicals from getting to our heads and neck.

BOTOX will not make all your migraines disappear, but the vast number of lesser attacks is already a miracle. Not to mention your added productivity at work and presence at family gatherings, which you mostly miss because of migraines.

Results vary from person to person but can be experienced as early as two to ten days. There will be a follow-up consultation to check on your progress to provide appropriate adjustments.

BOTOX effects last for three months. If you don’t see the result immediately, the American Migraine Foundation suggests giving it another go. AMF said to try at least two sessions before giving up on BOTOX.

If BOTOX works for you, you’ll be amazed at how safe it is to use indefinitely. There are no known side effects except skin redness and droopy eyelids, but these will all eventually wear off after a few hours.

Advantages of Using BOTOX for Migraines

BOTOX, botulinum toxin type A, has been found effective in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches in many patients. It works by blocking neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain, thus preventing or reducing the severity of migraines. Patients often experience fewer headache days each month, and the intensity of the headaches can also decrease.

This treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for chronic migraine sufferers, allowing them to engage in daily activities with less disruption. Additionally, since BOTOX is a non-pharmaceutical treatment, it is a valuable alternative for those who may have contraindications to certain migraine medications or have experienced ineffective results from other therapies.

Potential Side Effects

While BOTOX is generally considered safe for treating migraines, it does come with potential side effects. The most common ones include neck pain, stiffness, and temporary muscle weakness in the area of the injections. Some patients may experience bruising or redness at the injection sites. Rarely, patients might encounter more severe side effects like problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing due to weakening of associated muscles, which could be severe and result in loss of life. Allergic reactions, though rare, can also occur. Discussing these potential risks with a healthcare provider before undergoing BOTOX treatment for migraines is crucial.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

A good candidate for BOTOX treatment for migraines is typically someone who experiences chronic migraines. This means having a history of migraines on 15 or more days per month, with each headache lasting 4 hours or longer. It is particularly beneficial for those who have not responded well to other migraine treatments or who cannot take other migraine medications due to side effects or contraindications.

BOTOX is approved for adult patients, and candidates need to have no known allergies to the ingredients in BOTOX or have any skin infections at the planned injection sites.

Factors to Consider before Treatment

Before opting for BOTOX treatment, several factors should be considered. Patients should discuss their entire medical history, including any nerve or muscle conditions and medications being taken, with their healthcare provider. It is essential to consider the regularity and severity of the migraines, treatment goals, and expectations.

Understanding the commitment to a treatment regimen typically involving injections every 12 weeks is also crucial. Additionally, the cost and potential need for ongoing treatments should be considered, as BOTOX for migraines is often a repeated procedure to maintain its effectiveness. Finally, having realistic expectations about the treatment results and discussing them with a healthcare professional is essential.

BOTOX for Migraines near Me

Meet us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before proceeding with your procedure. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end. Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on cosmetic surgery trends!