BOTOX® Migraine Treatment
Migraine headaches are relatively common and can affect children, teens, and adults of all ages. This condition is often responsible for recurring headaches that occur alongside additional symptoms. If you suffer from migraine headaches, you may miss days of work or school. You may miss out on life events that are important to you. With proper care, you may find relief more easily than you had ever imagined.
The team at Ophthalmic Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. provides personalized care in a comfortable office environment. Here, we can help you explore the underlying cause of your migraine pain and work to offset your symptoms with convenient BOTOX® injections. To learn more, contact us at 314-567-3567 to schedule an appointment!
What is BOTOX® for Migraine Treatment?
You have probably heard of BOTOX® as a cosmetic injectable treatment. This FDA-approved drug is best known as a wrinkle-reducer, eyebrow-lifter, and more. However, the first use of the botulinum toxin in medicine revolved around the therapeutic treatment of muscular disorders. This knowledge of the main ingredient in BOTOX® has led researchers to explore the use of this drug in the treatment of migraine headaches.
BOTOX® works on muscle tissue and, secondarily, on the nerves surrounding the target muscle tissue. When injected into a muscle, the drug prevents the signaling between the brain (via neurotransmitter chemicals) and the body. This interruption of neurotransmitters occurs where the muscles and nerves meet. The action on the nerves and muscles prevents contractions that can irritate nerves in the target area that are involved in headache pain.
BOTOX® migraine treatment is convenient and simple. After your brief consultation, your doctor can administer a series of injections into the superficial muscles of your face, head, and neck. Injections are placed in areas that are considered trigger points for migraine pain. You should not require any downtime after your appointment, and you may begin to notice an improvement in your symptoms right away.
What Causes Migraines?
There may be several factors that can contribute to migraine pain. Examples include stress, light sensitivity, changes in weather, certain foods and substances, and environmental or biological conditions. According to numerous bodies of research, it is believed that a person’s hormones and natural chemical compounds can contribute to migraine headaches. Estrogen and serotonin, in particular, have been found to increase a person’s sensitivity to migraines.
What are the Symptoms of Migraines?
The symptoms of a migraine can travel through several stages. The first may begin days before actual migraine pain. The early warning signs of an impending migraine headache include changes in mood, constipation, fluid retention, increased urination, neck stiffness, and food cravings.
A secondary phase of a migraine headache, which may occur before or at the same time you feel head pain, is an aura. Auras are not limited to visual phenomena like flashing lights or temporary vision loss. This phase may also include difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness on one side of the face or body, or a sensation of pins and needles.
The actual migraine can last from four hours to a few days. At this stage, the migraine may feel like throbbing or pulsing pain. You may be sensitive to light and may experience nausea or vomiting. During and after the actual migraine, you may feel extraordinarily fatigued.
Is BOTOX® for Migraines Painful?
You can expect minimal discomfort during your BOTOX® migraine treatment. The doctor uses a tiny needle to administer the drug, but you might feel a minor pinch from each injection. Some areas that require treatment may be more sensitive than others. If you are concerned about discomfort, talk to your doctor ahead of time. We want you to be relieved of your pain with as little stress as possible!
How Many BOTOX® Sessions Will I Need for Migraines?
You may feel minimal relief from your migraines after just one BOTOX® session. To fully evaluate your response to treatment, your doctor may schedule a second appointment about 12 weeks after your first. If you respond well to BOTOX® injections for migraine pain, there is also a chance that you will experience prolonged relief that lasts much longer than anticipated.
How long After a BOTOX® Session for Migraines Will I See Results?
It is possible to begin to feel relief from your migraine pain within a week or so of your BOTOX® treatment. That said, many patients report that their sense of relief comes about two weeks after their injections. It is important to mention here that BOTOX® may not work for every person. Your doctor will follow-up with you after your first and second round of injections to evaluate your response to this treatment and explore other potential treatment options if necessary.
Is BOTOX® for Migraine Treatment Results Permanent?
BOTOX® works temporarily on the nerves in the treatment area. Usually, the results of this treatment last 12 to 16 weeks. They may last longer in some patients and potentially not as long as expected in others. After your second session of BOTOX® injections for your migraines, you and your doctor will discuss the extent of relief you are getting from this treatment. If you are responding well to BOTOX®, you may schedule treatments as often as every 12 weeks.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Migraines can be debilitating, but they don’t have to be. Dr. Reggie has specialized medical training in Neuro Ophthalmology and has extensive experience treating migraines using BOTOX® injections. To learn more about this treatment, contact our St. Louis, MO office at 314-567-3567.