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Do Botox Injections for Migraines Really Work? How Effective are They? How Do They Work?

Botox Injections | Lips and Drips by Erica Marie in Philadelphia, PA

Many people have migraines all the time; little do they know that Botox is a suitable treatment for migraine. According to the American Migraine Foundation, at least 39 million Americans suffer from migraines, but the actual figure is likely more numerous since many are not diagnosed. 

If you always get migraine, it’s time for you to know about the Botox treatment.

Migraine sometimes occurs several times a month. It usually lasts from 4 hours to 72 hours. The pain of this headache can be exceedingly painful with a pulsing sensation. Sometimes the throbbing pain happens on just one side of the head.

Let’s see how Botox injection can help ease migraine.

What is Botox Injection?

Botox is the shortened brand name for botulinum toxin and is also known as miracle poison. It’s a neurotoxin generated by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a spore-forming rod.

Botox injections are famous for fighting wrinkles. This treatment and other neurotoxin injection procedures are the number one nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. However, they are not only beneficial for beauty but also for treating some medical problems. 

How Effective is Botox for Migraine?

There’s a study that those with chronic migraine headaches or other types of headaches who took Botox injections considerably lessen the days they live with the pain. It’s proven effective in clinical trials and helps treat migraine. Aside from migraine, Botox is also effective for spasms, tics, and other neurological problems.

After therapy, it could take up to four weeks before you notice a decrease in the frequency of your migraines, and you could require more than one round of injections. In short, Botox lessens the frequency and intensity of headaches.

How Does Botox Work?

According to a study, among people with migraines who took two rounds of Botox shots, almost 50% of them said that the number of days they suffered migraines each month was reduced to half. About 70% of them feel the effects after they took five rounds of Botox shots.

Botox will be injected into your head and neck muscle areas to treat migraine. Doing so is the most effective treatment for migraines and headaches using Botox.

Here are the areas for Botox migraine injection:

  • Forehead
  • Temples
  • Neck
  • Nose bridge
  • Back of the head
  • In the upper back, above the shoulder blades

Doctors theorize that it works for migraine because Botox blocks neurotransmitters that bring the signal from your brain about pain. It stops neurotransmitters from sending signals from the nerve endings in your neck and head.

The body produces neurotransmitters and molecules that are connected with pain if it is having a migraine. There is evidence that the medication blocks the pathway from the source of the pain to the brain or central nervous system.

Botox Treatment

It takes multiple Botox shots around the head and neck every twelve weeks or so to prevent chronic migraines; it usually takes thirty to forty injections of Botox. That figure can be higher if a particular migraine spot needs to be injected. Specialists call the sites where migraine originates or are triggered “trigger points.”

The procedure of each injection takes around 15 minutes. There’s no need to worry because, after the injection, you can do your normal activities.

Make sure to avoid vigorous exercise, washing your hair, extreme heat, cleansing the skin areas injected, or having massages and spas. Additionally, don’t lie down for at least 3 hours after receiving Botox.

After the first treatment, the result will take its effects after 2 to 3 weeks. Visit your doctor at least four times a year or whenever they advise you to do so.

Botox is not a treatment for common tension headache or episodic migraine, a type of migraine that only affects you fourteen days per month or less. If the migraine attack is not chronic, it is not sure if Botox can help treat it.

Who Should Take Botox as a Migraine Treatment

Only people who are 18 years old or older who experience fifteen days of migraine per month or more are suitable for Botox migraine injections.

Any pregnant woman or those who are breastfeeding shouldn’t take Botox injections. Anyone sensitive or allergic to Botulinum toxin obviously should not have it. You should avoid Botox injection treatment if you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, or any neurological disorder that increases your risk of muscle weakness. 

How Long Do the Effects Last?

It can take multiple weeks and several Botox treatments before you start experiencing the feeling of relief from migraines. The effect lasts for about three months.

After the initial batch of injections, you might no longer need additional Botox treatments if you no longer suffer from recurring migraines. You might need ongoing treatment if you still experience chronic migraines after your first injections. It’s best to consult professionals to determine your needs.

Is Botox Safe?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ratified the use of Botox to treat blepharospasm and other eye muscle problems in 1989. Then in 2002, they approved it for cosmetic treatment; at that time, its approval was for mild to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Eventually, in 2013, the FDA approved the treatment for wrinkles around the eyes, or as they call it, crow’s feet, using Botox injections.

Since then, there have been several medical problems for which the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Botox. Chronic migraine, spasm, lower limb spasticity, sweating too much in the underarm, overactive bladder, and tic are all medical conditions that are safe to treat with Botox.

Where to Go to Take Your First Step?

To be free from suffering migraines, take advantage of using Botox injection treatment. It is safe and proven to be effective. 

At Lips and Drips, we offer Botox for migraine and other services ideal for health and beauty. We believe that aesthetics and health work together. You will learn more about our offers of high-quality cosmetic injectibles and nutrient-boosting IV treatments by calling us at (215) 914-3200, contacting us at this email [email protected], or filling out our contact form

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