Botox Specialists
Botox for Chronic Migraine
A BOTOX® Specialist understands the full nature of Chronic Migraine. Dr. Sylvain and Dr. Barrera are experienced in using BOTOX® as a treatment to prevent headaches and migraines before they even start. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding chronic migraine and Botox.
Botox for Chronic Migraine Q & A
What is Chronic Migraine?
Chronic Migraine is 15 or more headache days each month, with migraine on at least 8 of those days, and 4 hours or more of headache per headache day.
How is Chronic Migraine Treated?
Avoidance of triggers, , stress reduction, acupuncture, manual therapy such as massage or osteopathic manipulation, taking medications that “abort” or stop the headache, taking daily medications that prevent the headaches before they start, and Botox.
What is Botox?
Botox is a form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria that causes botulism. When the Botox botulinum toxin is purified and used in tiny doses in specific areas, it temporarily reduces muscle contractions for approximately 3 months.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
Botox is injected around pain fibers that are involved in headaches. Botox enters the nerve endings around where it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. This prevents activation of pain networks in the brain.
Botox prevents migraine headaches before they start, but takes time to work. One treatment lasts for 10-12 weeks, and patients reported that two Botox treatments reduced the number of headache days by approximately 50%.
What is Treatment Like?
When you receive your first Botox treatment, expect the appointment to take about 20 minutes. The doctor uses a very small needle that feels like a pinprick. She injects small amounts of Botox into shallow muscles in the skin. Each treatment typically involves 31 injections in seven key areas of the head and neck.
The most common side effect from the Botox shots is a sore neck, and we recommend using an ice pack to reduce the discomfort.
It can take up to six months to see the maximum benefit from Botox. In the meantime, you can continue your regular medications with no risk of a drug interaction.
Does Insurance cover it?
Most insurances including Medicare, cover Botox for treatment of chronic migraine. There is strict criteria, and our doctors will let you know if you are indeed a candidate, and if so, then work with your insurance company to get it approved.
If you experience more than 15 headaches a month, call to schedule an appointment today to see if you are a candidate for Botox, or other therapies, to help you regain your life back.
