Botox Can Free You of Migraine Headaches

A migraine is not your typical headache.

In fact, it can cause debilitating symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound, that necessitate lying down in a dark room until the headache subsides.

While there are over-the-counter and prescription medications that patients can take, a large percentage of these are either ineffective or have undesirable side effects.

As a result, many migraine sufferers are turning to Botox to alleviate headache pain and improve their quality of life.

Keep reading to learn how Botox can free you of migraine headaches.

How Can Botox Help Patients With Chronic Migraine Headaches?

While Botox is often recognized as a wrinkle-reducer, it also has a number of medical uses.

Since 2010, the injectable drug has been approved for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches – defined as having 15 or more headache days a month, with episodes lasting 4 hours or longer.

How Does Botox Alleviate Migraine Pain and Symptoms?

In order to alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with migraine headaches, Botox is injected in areas around pain fibers.

It then works to block the release of chemicals that activate pain receptors in the brain.

When Can Patients Expect to See Results?

Within three weeks of receiving Botox, patients will begin to note that they have fewer headache days per month and don’t need emergency medication as often.

In fact, clinical studies have found that Botox prevents an average of eight-to-nine headache days a month.

Patients will also see greater improvements after their second Botox treatment, with many reporting that they no longer need prescription medication.

How Long Do the Effects of Botox Last?

Botox is gradually metabolized by the body over a period of several months. Consequently, patients can expect to experience treatment benefits for three-to-four months.

At this time, they will require additional injections in order to maintain reduction of their migraine headaches.

For additional information on freeing yourself from migraine headaches with Botox, please call our office today to schedule a consultation.