Most likely, when you think of Botox, you picture cosmetic injections used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Although that is the main application for Botox, it has also gained popularity as a treatment for persistent migraines. Your doctor might have recommended Botox as a treatment if you experience migraine attacks that last 15 days or longer each month. Botox injections for migraines do have some undesirable side effects, such as neck stiffness and muscular weakening. There may also be other, less frequent side effects.
The potential negative effects of Botox for treating chronic migraines are covered in this article.
How long does a Botox treatment for migraine take?
A Botox procedure will take a skilled practitioner roughly 20 minutes. Filling out paperwork and speaking with your provider about concerns and questions during your first treatment may take a little longer.
How many injections will I have to get in Botox treatment for migraine?
greater than you could imagine. Expect to have around 30 injections of Botox in specific locations on your forehead and neck if you’re receiving it for migraine relief. These regions are distinct from the specific places where you might receive Botox for a cosmetic procedure, such as removing wrinkles from your forehead.
How much does Botox treatment for migraine hurt?
Various pain thresholds may lead to different responses to this query. Injections hurt as much as Botox needles do, but the procedure is brief. Have an ice pack on hand to reduce swelling or soreness following and be ready for it to feel a little unpleasant.
How often will one have to get Botox Treatment for migraine?
It is advised to receive treatment once every 12 weeks. Although the effects of Botox may begin to diminish earlier, receiving the procedure more frequently than that is not advised.
Will Botox treatment work to treat my migraines?
Individual results may vary, so there is no way to be certain. But there are compelling reasons to believe it will. Multiple studies have shown that using Botox to treat chronic migraines results in fewer headache days per month when compared to a placebo. It may take 10 to 14 days for the Botox treatment to take effect. Some people don’t get side effects from Botox treatment, and it takes almost two treatment cycles to figure out if you’re one of them.
SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX
Botox is safe for most people. if you go to an experienced practitioner. Still, there are some possible common as well as long-term side effects that you should know about if you start using Botox to treat your migraine.
Common side effects
Common side effects of Botox treatment for migraine:
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
- Bruising
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Neck stiffness
Neck pain is the most common side effect. Injection site pain, drooping eyelids, and muscular weakness were reported in a few people. These are simply the side effects of injecting a foreign substance into your body. They usually disappear after a day or two.
Longer-term side effects
However, there is a chance of long-term side effects. These may include:
- Muscle weakness
- Eyebrows drooping
- Unsymmetrical face
The following are some of the issues that have arisen as a result of the use of Botox treatment for migraine.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Botox for migraine were uncommon and rarely severe enough to cause patients to discontinue treatment. However, serious complications from Botox do occur in some cases. If you notice any of the following symptoms after your treatment seeks immediate medical help.
- blurry vision
- swelling of your tongue or throat
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
HOW BOTOX TREATS MIGRAINE
The FDA approved Onabotulinumtoxin A, also known as Botox-A, for the treatment of chronic migraine. The term “electronic commerce” refers to the sale of electronic goods. The effect lasts about three months. Botox treatment injections block neurotransmitters that tell your muscles to contract. By blocking these neurotransmitter’s signals, Botox diminishes the appearance of wrinkles. However, blocking neurotransmitters is another method of migraine prevention. Botox inhibits the release of these chemicals, preventing them from reaching your nerve endings and causing pain.
Migraine attacks are typically best treated right at the very beginning of an attack, but it can be difficult to do that. Treating a migraine with oral medication can end up with addiction. This can cause medication overuse headaches and, in some cases, trigger more migraine attacks. Botox work as a preventive treatment by keeping your brain from receiving the initial migraine signals, without the risk of the “rebound headache” that comes with many oral medications treatment for migraine.
IS BOTOX RIGHT FOR MIGRAINE
If you’re considering Botox treatment for migraines, here are some questions to consider and discuss with your doctor:
- Chronic migraine is defined as occurring 15 days per month on average. If your migraine attacks are not that severe or chronic, it’s unclear whether Botox would be helpful for you.
- Botox may not be effective for migraine treatment after the first treatment, and even when it is, it is not permanent. If Botox becomes your long-term treatment plan, you’ll need to schedule regular Botox treatments every three months.
GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX
Some people should not have Botox injections for migraines or any other reason. If any of the following apply to you, you are not a good candidate for Botox:
- Botulinum toxin sensitivity or allergy
- Botulism’s History
- Signs of infection at or near the injection site
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis are two neurological conditions that increase your risk of muscle weakness.
- pregnancy or breastfeeding mother
WRAP UP
Botox for migraines can have some unpleasant side effects, such as neck stiffness and muscular weakness. Thankfully, the majority of these adverse effects are minor and transient. Although they are relatively uncommon, severe side effects can occur. The choice to risk these adverse effects to treat your chronic migraine is entirely up to you. Find a knowledgeable practitioner to assist you to decide if this treatment is appropriate for you if you’re interested in trying it.