Although most commonly known as a treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, Botox is also a safe and effective treatment for those suffering with chronic migraines.
How does it work?
Botox is a specific brand of botulinum toxin. Ultimately, botulinum toxin enters nerve endings, stopping the nerve responding as normal to an electrical nerve impulse. When injected into facial muscles, fine lines and wrinkles appear reduced. However, when used for migraines, botulinum toxin is infected into the muscles of the forehead, temples, neck and shoulder, blocking the chemical release from the nerve endings that carry pain from the head to the brain.
How effective is Botox in treating Chronic Migraines?
The aim for this treatment is not to become completely free of headaches or migraines, but rather to reduce their severity and frequency, thereby improving quality of life. Therefore the aim is to see a reduction of 30 – 50% in the frequency of migraines episodes the patient is experiencing. In this way, we are looking to improve the condition from chronic to episodic.
How long does this treatment take to work?
Due to the biological effect of botulinum toxin, it can take a varying amount of time to work on different people. This can range from several days, to even a few weeks, for the botox to begin working and any improvement to be seen. Sadly, although effective, patients should not expect immediate relief when treating chronic migraines with botox.
How often is this treatment required?
Similarly, every patient’s body will metabolise botox slightly differently, therefore we approach this on an individual basis, through review of your level of pain and severity of symptoms. However, on average, the treatment is repeated at 12-16 week intervals until the patient is pain-free, or until a different course of treatment is preferred.
Possible side effects:
Luckily, the potential side effects occurring when Botox is used to treat migraines are fairly uncommon. Less than one in ten patients experience mild side effects following treatment. These side effects most often take the form of ‘flu-like’ symptoms for the first 24 hours or so, but can appear as worsening migraine, rash or itching, and, as with all injections, localised pain, bruising or bleeding.
Who is this treatment not suitable for?
Botox is not suitable for use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is also an increased risk of side effects due to other conditions within your medical history. It is therefore always important to have a thorough and detailed consultation, to decide if botox treatment is right and safe for you.
If you would like to know more, or to set up a consultation to discuss this treatment, please contact paindorset@gmail.com
Dr Mark Hitchcock
