It’s time to acknowledge the toll migraines can take on people’s lives. Having migraines or chronic headaches is painful, debilitating and hard to endure on your own.  If you suffer from persistent migraines you might be wondering if there’s a treatment that doesn’t require you to pop in pills and tablets every 30 minutes. There has to be something better and more effective, right?

We’re here to tell you that there is an efficient, long-term treatment for chronic headaches and migraines: Botox ®.  Yes, we are talking about the injectable favored by many to decrease and smooth out signs of aging.

For many patients, Botox is the best solution to headaches and migraines. For that reason, let us tell you more about this life-changing treatment. From lessening the frequency and duration of migraine episodes to making them a rare occurrence, keep reading to learn more about how Botox can treat migraines.

 

The best treatment for migraines: Botox

It is estimated that nearly 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic migraines. Depending on the person, a migraine can last anywhere from 1 hour to a day and include other obnoxious symptoms such as dizziness and vomit. For anyone who is part of this figure, it’s no secret that dealing with migraines and constant headaches can be overwhelming. However, using Botox to treat migraines is changing the way one can improve this painful condition.

Botox helps control migraines by blocking or paralyzing nerve terminals, which are also responsible for producing pain patterns. Since Botox is by nature a muscle relaxer, this treatment option has an added benefit that other medications don’t offer.

A Guide to Botox for Headaches

We understand the need for better migraine treatment, so we’re helping those who suffer from chronic headaches learn more about Botox and its effectiveness in treating and preventing this condition. Patients come to us with so many questions regarding this treatment that we decided to create a guide and explain how Botox is used to manage headaches and migraines. We sat down with our team of doctors and answered some of your most frequently asked questions.

Is this a different type of Botox than the one used for wrinkles?

The first thing you need to know is that the botulinum toxin (brand name Botox ®) used to treat migraines is the same used to smooth out wrinkles. This is great because Botox has been used by medical professionals for decades and its safety and effectiveness have been proved for many uses beyond cosmetics. The doses and injection sites are different in order to accurately address the pain.

How does the treatment work? What are the injection sites? 

The process is non-invasive and relatively pain-free. First, your doctor will point out the sections of the head where you will receive shots, based on the pain you regularly experience. Most patients receive injections around their head, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper back and neck; with special attention to the area where they feel the most acute pain. The doctor will use numbing cream if needed in order to make the treatment more comfortable.

How much Botox do I need to treat migraines? 

This depends on the patient and the intensity of migraines they experience. Most patients need 20 to 40 units, with some extra units in the areas of the head where the pain is worse.

How long do the effects of Botox last to prevent headaches? How often do I need to get injections?

Everyone’s body is different, however, the most common way of administering this treatment looks like this: the patient has an initial session and will be asked to return 2 to 3 weeks later for a follow-up. Botox can take up to 2 weeks to become effective, so a follow-up visit is crucial to determine how well the treatment is working. After that, the patient should have a session every 3 to 4 months in order to maintain the effectiveness of Botox. The doctor will help you figure out a schedule that will maximize the benefits of the treatment.

Are there side effects to using Botox for headaches?

The worst side effect possible is for Botox not to ameliorate your migraines, which is rare. Since the injections are placed with a different dose and in different sites, the side-effects of Botox for cosmetic purposes are even rarer when used as a migraine treatment.

How much does it cost to treat headaches with Botox?

When treating migraines and wrinkles, Botox is charged per unit. In our clinic, Botox costs $9 USD per unit. During your consultation, ask the doctor how many units you are going to need.

Ready to improve your life? A visit to the doctor’s office, a Botox session and your migraines will be less intense and less frequent. If you have tried different medications to help manage your migraines, it might be time to consider Botox. Call VIDA Wellness and Beauty now at (619)738-2144 to schedule an appointment with a board-certified doctor and forget migraines.