Does Botox Really Help With Migraines?
Migraine Relief
If you are one of the 37 million people who suffer from migraines, you’ve probably heard about Botox as a treatment option. In 2010 the FDA approved the use of this drug in treating chronic migraine headaches. Since then, many people have questions about Botox’s ability to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Since everyone’s body and circumstances are unique, there’s no one answer, but this information should help you decide if it could help you find relief!
What is Botox?
According to a recent article, 84% of the population do not know what Botox is or what the injections are given for. Botox is the brand name of a toxin produced by the Bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific areas (muscles), causing controlled relaxation of the muscles. Botox is temporary. Typically it lasts about 3-4 months. Just about everyone has heard of Botox for cosmetic purposes, however, there are many legitimate medical uses for Botox than the general public is aware of!
Isn't Botox Just A Beauty Treatment?
Cosmetically, Botox works by block the nerve signal to the muscle to freeze movement. This leads to muscle relaxation which is why a wrinkle may be smoothed out. But this is not actually how it works on a migraine!
Since the 1970s, Botox has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Today, there are at least 20 conditions where Botox may be used, some of which have not been approved by the FDA (used off-label.)
Common Botox Uses Include:
- Cervical Dystonia – severe neck muscle spasms
- Blepharospasm – an uncontrollable eye twitch
- Severe & Excessive Underarm Sweating
- Eye Alignment – fixing “crossed-eyes”
- Bruxism – teeth grinding
- Chronic Migraine
Botox For Migraines
Like many other migraine treatments, it’s discovery was accidental. Botox was originally discovered when patients reported an improvement in their migraine condition whilst getting Botox for cosmetic reasons.
Now, over 500,000 patients in the U.S. have been treated with Botox for chronic Migraines. During treatment, tiny injections will be made over the head and neck for Migraines. These injections sites target the sensory nerves involved in the Migraine attack. The injections typically take less than 15 minutes with most injections feeling like a small pinch. A short needle is used and injections are extremely superficial, they are not deep injections.
Results
Results will vary patient to patient, however, most Migraine patients experience life-changing results! Some patients can respond within the first month, while others may require three treatments before they can confirm one way or the other. Botox doesn’t interact with the usual preventative headache medications, so those may be continued during Botox therapy with the approval of your doctor. Catalyst has treated hundreds of patients for Migraines in Fargo and the surrounding area – find your relief today!