Headaches? Migraines? Botox treatments are not just for wrinkles anymore
Headaches? Migraines? Botox treatments are not just for wrinkles anymore
When it comes to Botox, you might think it’s the most useful for getting rid of pesky wrinkles. Although true, that’s not the only thing Botox is good for: it can also help alleviate migraines and headaches. In 2010, OnabotulinumtoxinA was approved for adults who suffer from chronic headaches, proving to be a helpful treatment for those who can’t seem to shake the pain.
Do I Have Migraines?
Before you consider any treatment, it’s important to know what you’re working with. This includes asking yourself: “what kind of pain am I experiencing?” There are a lot of types of different chronic headaches, so bringing your symptoms to a medical professional can help with determining the right course of action.
Learn more by booking an appointment with our pain management specialists here. What kind of recurring headaches are there?
- Hemicrania continua: this headache is felt on one side of the head, feeling like a migraine.
- Primary stabbing headaches: they last only a couple of seconds but occur multiple times a day.
- Primary exertional headaches: these are caused by exercise.
- Chronic paroxysmal hemicranias: they occur on one side of the head and can cause tearing and congestion.
- Cluster headaches: they cause severe pain on one side of the head, happening sporadically over months.
- Tension-type headaches: these are the most common, causing mild to moderate pain in the head. They can be occasional or frequent, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to a week.
Will Botox Help My Headaches?
Before you consider a Botox treatment for your migraines or headaches, you have to make sure that it's the right treatment. How do you know if it's the correct procedure for you? It's only FDA-approved for chronic migraines that occur at least 15 days a month. You can start by consulting with our specialists here.
How Does It Work?
The discovery of Botox treatments for headaches began as a fluke: people who got injections started noticing their headaches diminished, grabbing researchers' attention. Studies show that Botox injections bring down the number of days headaches are experienced by half.
Botox injections block neurotransmitters, which carry pain signals. It stops the chemicals from getting to the nerve endings in your head and neck, preventing pain before it even has time to set in.
What’s the Treatment Like?
The treatment entails getting a couple of shots of Botox in the head and neck area every 12-24 weeks. In total, it can be anywhere from 20 to 40 shots on both sides of the head, and if the migraines are one-sided, more concentrated on that area. It can take up to six months for it to fully take effect, but you'll be feeling better in no time.
Should I Get Botox Injections For My Headaches?
The best way to know whether or not the treatment is right for you is to consult with a medical professional that can guide you through the process and find the answers you’re looking for. Book an appointment online with Vantage Medical Associates here.