While originally developed to treat muscle spasms, Botox® is also a safe, effective treatment for chronic migraines. Botox® injections administered by an experienced doctor can reduce frequency and intensity of migraine headaches.
Botox® is refined from the botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein that causes muscle paralysis. When administered in small doses, it works by blocking nerve signals for muscles to contract, forcing the targeted muscles to relax.
Because Botox® targets and reduces muscle spasms, it’s often used in the treatment of strokes and cerebral palsy. It has also been effective in treating blepharospasm, a condition marked by abnormal, involuntary blinking and eyelid spasms.
It is also used to treat dystonia, a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions and repetitive, twisting movements. Dystonia can affect the entire body or be isolated to one area and range from mild to severe spasms. Botox® is typically used to treat cervical dystonia.
When used to treat chronic migraines, ongoing Botox® injections can lead to a 50% reduction in headache days.
If you experience 15 or more migraine headaches each month, migraines that cause at least eight headache days a month or migraines lasting four hours or longer then you may suffer from chronic migraines. Chronic migraines are typically more painful and last longer than episodic migraines.
Before scheduling an appointment to receive Botox® injections, please verify that your insurance is accepted by our specialty pharmacy. After authorization is granted, the pharmacy can ship the medication to our Brain and Spine office where it is stored until your appointment.
When treating migraines, our specialists inject Botox® into seven target muscle groups proven to reduce or prevent migraines: the forehead, bridge of the nose, both temples, back of the head, neck and upper back.
Treatments are administered using a tiny needle and each session takes about 15 minutes. After two treatments, spaced 12 weeks apart, you’ll know how well Botox® works for you. To maintain results, we recommend sessions every 12 weeks. This treatment is minimally invasive, and you can return to your daily routine immediately.