Botox is a prescription drug that can be injected into the skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles caused by age. Surely, that’s all it’s good for, right?
It turns out that Botox is actually a treatment for migraine headaches. Believe it or not, it’s been approved for use by the FDA to treat tension headaches in people who get them on a regular basis.
If you’re a migraine sufferer, read on. In this article, you’ll learn about what Botox does for migraines, who it’s for, and how effective of a treatment it is for migraines.
How Does Botox Work For Migraines?
Before we get into what Botox does for migraines, we need to explain what exactly Botox is. Botox injections contain a neurotoxin called “on botulinum toxin A”. This neurotoxin is produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinums, and is responsible for a rare condition called botulism. Botulism is caused by acute botulinum toxin poisoning and is often fatal.
So if this medicine is a neurotoxin that can be fatal, how did it become so well known?
Most people know of Botox as a cosmetic product that is aimed at reducing fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment is effective immediately and has become popular among those who love the appearance of its anti-aging effects. But that’s not all Botox is used for: it can also be used for migraines.
Botox for migraines is typically done by applying several shots of Botox near the neck and the head every 12 weeks. However, your migraine pain specialist will give you the exact details on how the treatment will be done for you.
The name BOTOX is a trademark owned by Allergan, an AbbVie company.
Who Is Botox For Migraines For?
If you are a frequent migraine sufferer who experiences episodes 14 or more times per month, you can get approved for Botox treatment.
How effective is Botox for migraines?
Botox will not eliminate migraine headaches, but it will reduce them significantly, and ideally reduce the severity of the episodes that do happen. It’s only for those who have frequent migraine headaches.
Why Does Botox Help Migraines?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that blocks neurotransmitters from carrying signals to the brain that tell the brain that it’s in pain. Doctors are not 100% sure why it works for migraines and not other kinds of headaches.
Does Botox work for cluster headaches, too?
No, Botox is not approved for use in cluster headache patients. There are other treatments that might be a bit more helpful for cluster headaches, such as Imitrex or oxygen therapy.
Pain Management Experts in Chicago
Chronic pain can be absolutely debilitating. We don’t want you to suffer alone. At Pain & Spine Institute, our pain management Chicago
The Pain & Spine Institute is licensed to provide Botox injections in Chicago for migraine sufferers who have frequent migraine attacks every month.
