Botox for Migraines
We have all heard of botox to get rid of wrinkles but did you know that Botox is now a common treatment for chronic migraines? 3.2 million Americans live with chronic migraines which can lead to difficulty with normal everyday activities. Chronic migraines have been linked to abnormal contraction of certain muscles surrounding the head. Chronic Migraine is a neurological condition that is defined by having 15 or more headache days per month, with each headache lasting 4 hours or more, and 8 of those days associated with migraine. The true cause of Chronic Migraines is unknown but there are a few known triggers. These include weather changes, anxiety and stress, caffeine and changes in sleep habits. Migraines can also be genetic. Studies suggest that half the risk for migraine comes from our genes. If a parent suffers from migraines, their children are more likely to suffer from migraines. Take the test to find out if you have Chronic Migraines here.
Botox is a protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. Botox is used medically to treat certain muscular conditions, and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. Injected botulinum toxin prevents the release of an important substance in muscles, preventing contraction of the muscle cells. Botox is only FDA-approved for chronic migraines.
The more headaches the patient has, the better the results with Botox. 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.
The average individual will need several treatment before noting the results. Each treatment session is given 12 weeks apart. A minimum of three sessions is recommended for each patient. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and your surgeon will inject several areas around the head with a very tiny needle. Most patients describe the injection as a small pin prick and find the procedure to be very tolerable. The most common side effect noted is neck pain for the first 24-28 hours after the injections.
There are several types of Migraines so find out if Botox is right for you. Being pain free can be life changing. Check out the link here for more information.
