To treat people with chronic migraines, the FDA approved Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA), an injection of botulinum toxin A, in 2010. Patients who suffer from 15 or more migraines a month can benefit from using Botox for migraine treatment, but the procedure comes with its own set of risks. This overview discusses the benefits and risks of Botox injections for the treatment of migraines.
Botox is a botulinum neurotoxin, or nerve poison, produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Botulism is caused by the same type of bacteria. Intravenous administration of this neurotoxin, on the other hand, has a more focused effect and is less harmful. Slurred speech, drooping eyelids, and muscle paralysis are all signs of botulism.
Botox is best known for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face by temporarily blocking nerve impulses. Injections of botulinum toxin are used to treat chronic migraines by blocking the release of chemicals that activate the brain’s pain network at nerve endings associated with pain.
A Botox injection may be necessary if other treatment options, including medication and lifestyle changes, have failed to control chronic migraine. There are seven points on the forehead, temples, side and back and neck where these injections are given.
Botox injections have a temporary effect, so a follow-up treatment is advised every 12 weeks. As a result, you’ll need to see your doctor on a regular basis for the duration of your treatment. If you don’t see results after a few visits, you may have to take prescription medication to get the best results.
Botox injections aren’t a first-choice treatment for chronic migraine, and they’re only considered if other treatments haven’t worked. Acute migraine, defined as 15 or fewer attacks in a month or less, is not a good candidate for this treatment.
Contraindications (not advice) or additional monitoring and caution may be required for their use, even though they are generally well tolerated. Among them:
Even while receiving Botox injections, you’ll most likely need to continue with other treatments to keep the condition under control. Also important is keeping track of one’s own progress and development.
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