Botox For Migraine Headaches

 Migraines aren’t normal headaches brought on by stress or illness. They’re a neurological condition that usually causes throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head. During a migraine, you can feel nauseous and be sensitive to bright light and harsh sounds.

Migraine pain can last a few hours or a few days and leave you feeling exhausted afterward. The frequency and severity of migraines differ from person to person, and some people suffer from chronic migraines.

People with chronic migraines have 15 or more migraine headaches each month.

Botox is a medical injection best known for its use to smooth out facial wrinkles. But the injections also benefit neurological conditions like migraines. In fact, Botox injections are FDA-approved to treat chronic migraines.

Botox contains a purified form of a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin. (A neurotoxin affects the nerves.) Botox blocks the nerve signals to the brain when injected in small amounts into specific areas.

For migraines, Botox blocks the release of the neurotransmitters that trigger pain sensations, easing migraine headaches.

The Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group team completes a thorough exam to determine if Botox makes a good treatment choice for your migraines.

The team might recommend Botox injections if you suffer from chronic migraines and less invasive treatments, like medications and lifestyle changes, have failed to provide significant relief.

However, Botox injections for migraines usually work best when combined with migraine medications and lifestyle changes. You need to find healthy outlets for stress, get plenty of sleep, and avoid foods or drinks that trigger your headaches (usually caffeine and alcohol).

At your initial consultation, your provider at Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group reviews what you can expect during your Botox injections for migraines.

During the treatment, your provider injects small amounts of Botox along the hairline around your face, head, and neck. They might also inject Botox into your forehead, temples, the back of your head, or neck, depending on where you feel your pain. 

Botox for migraines might not provide relief from your head pain right away. In fact, you might need several treatments before you see improvements in the frequency and intensity of your migraines.

Some chronic migraine sufferers experience significant improvements in their migraines and can discontinue Botox injections. But others can require regular Botox injections to control their migraines.

To find out more about Botox for migraines at Sunset Neurological & Psychiatry Group, call the office today.