Botox for Migraine Headache Relief

According to a study done by the American Headache Society, Botox injections may be used as preventative therapy against chronic migraine headaches. The study also shows that Botox may be less risky to use for treatment, instead of prescription medications that have side effects. Eighty percent of individuals within the study injected with Botulinum toxin type A, also known as Botox, claimed that they had less frequent and intense migraine headaches.

Treatment

• For those who have frequent, intense migraines, Botox may provide relief without the side effects other medications. Botox is a liquid, injected into sites such as the forehead, between the eyes, and to the side and back of the neck.

  Doctors suggest that Botox is effective against migraine headaches because it blocks pain signals to the brain. Relief from headaches appears approximately three weeks after the initial injections, and should be done every three months to maintain pain control.

Benefits

• Aside from rare side effects, Botox is considered to be a safe alternative to migraine headache medication. Rare side effects include neck muscle weakness, or eyelid and eyebrow drooping. Those who do not wish to take a prescription medication have an option with Botox, and do not have to deal with common side effects from other medication such as weight gain, upset stomach, or drowsiness.

  Botox is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for eye disorders, wrinkles, and neck spasms; however, it is still in early stages to be approved for use with chronic, severe headaches and migraines.

Cost

• Since Botox is not covered by insurance, it can become quite pricey to get regular treatments. Each Botox session costs approximately $350 per injection site, which is usually between the eyes, forehead, and back or side of the neck for migraine relief.

  Prescribed oral medications for migraines like Imitrex are a more affordable option, but may not reduce symptoms enough for those who have intense headaches.