Botox Can Cure Headaches, Too…

 

“I have had migraines since I was in my early 20’s, for 15 years, and they had gotten progressively worse, to the point where I got them every day,” said Faye. “It was like some had shot an arrow through my eye and gone right to the back of my head and felt like the arrow had barbed wire.”

 

The migraines were not only affecting Faye’s everyday life but her ability to work and earn a living. “I’ve missed many days of work because of migraines,” she said. “I stayed out a year, trying to get rid of the headaches. I tried every kind of medication and if any of them worked, they only worked half the time. I’ve taken every kind of narcotic you can think of.”

 

A friend had heard that Botox® treatment could also help with migraines, so Faye made an appointment with a dermatologist.

 

“I had Botox one time, and it worked,” she said. “On a scale of one to five, it was a six. It was amazing and it worked for two months. I had days without even a regular headache, and I could never imagine having days like that. It was wonderful and I just sat down and cried.”

 

While Botox® treatment is more commonly associated with wrinkle reduction, it can alleviate migraine symptoms, as Faye learned. The FDA has recently approved Botox for the treatment of migraine, making it a viable option for long-time sufferers. In my practice, I have been impressed by the effectiveness of Botox® as part of an overall migraine treatment plan (as well as giving patients the secondary benefit of younger, more refreshed looking skin).  

 

Botox® injections combat migraine symptoms by targeting different tension points around the face and neck, usually in about seven different areas. Patients must continue coming in for treatment every few months in order to retain the drug’s benefits. The injections dull nerve muscles, relaxing muscles in the affected area.

 

While the science behind its effect on migraines remains somewhat unclear, numerous patients have enjoyed fewer “headache days” as the result of Botox® treatment. As chronic migraine sufferers struggle with vomiting, nausea, and light sensitivity, along with excruciating pain, any amount of relief is a welcome respite.

 

Studies have shown that Botox® can reduce headache severity and frequency of migraines in up to 60% of migraine patients. Although Botox® may not fully solve every patient’s chronic headache symptoms, a periodic Botox® injection has dramatically improved the quality of life for other sufferers, particularly when coupled with additional migraine treatment options.

 

Botox® has also proven to be an extremely safe procedure. Most side effects are minor and patients can expect to resume normal activities immediately following treatment. While considering Botox® as a potential migraine management option, it is important to seek out a qualified physician who can help decide whether Botox® is an appropriate treatment choice.