While it is true that Botox is commonly used as a cosmetic treatment to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, it can also help reduce the frequency of chronic migraine headaches. At Priority You MD in Clearwater, FL, we offer Botox for both the treatment of migraines and aesthetic improvement.
Migraines are more than just a bad headache. They can also be accompanied by severe pulsing or throbbing pain, sensitivity to sound and light, and even nausea or vomiting. The pain of a migraine can be debilitating. Researchers still haven’t discovered exactly what causes migraines, but it is believed that they occur due to brain activity that negatively affects the blood vessels and nerves in the brain.
It’s estimated that around 39 million people in the U.S. experience migraine headaches. Many of them could be helped with Botox treatment.
Botox is the brand name of a neuromodulating ingredient known as botulinum toxin type A. It is made from the same toxin that causes botulism, a particular type of food poisoning. The medical version of botulinum toxin is purified and must meet medical control standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has been thoroughly researched and found safe when used correctly.
When injected into a muscle, Botox has a temporary paralyzing effect that prevents the muscle from moving. In addition to being used for facial rejuvenation, Botox is used to treat muscle spasms, overactive bladder, and chronic migraine headaches.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, during a migraine, the body releases molecules and neurotransmitters associated with pain. A botulinum toxin treatment can interfere with the distribution of these pain transmissions.
Specifically, Botox interrupts pain transmissions at the points where muscles and nerves intersect. Through carefully targeted injections into facial, neck, and head muscles, Botox is absorbed by the nerves, effectively preventing the development of migraine pain.
Botulinum toxin treatment for migraine is approved for adults aged 18 and older who have a minimum of 15 migraine days each month. Your doctor may recommend alternative medications and lifestyle changes before trying Botox as a treatment. Most migraine patients find the most relief from symptoms when using a multipronged approach to care.
Sometimes, traditional medications and changes in your diet and other self-care habits do not bring relief. In that case, Botox benefits may help.
Many of the same benefits that apply to cosmetic Botox injections apply to using Botox as a migraine treatment. Those benefits include:
“How long does Botox take to work?” is a frequent and understandable question. As a migraine treatment, Botox acts quickly. Some people feel results in as few as three days, but it may take up to four weeks and more than one treatment before you notice an improvement in migraine symptoms. Botox treatment for migraines should be considered part of a comprehensive care plan that considers your individual needs.
During a consultation, our doctor will evaluate your condition and determine how Botox could best help relieve your migraine pain. They may make injections in a number of sites, including into your head, neck, temples, forehead, and other trigger points. Every treatment is individualized to meet your specific needs.
You may require a series of injections before noticing a reduction in migraine frequency or intensity. However, some people notice improvement sooner. How long does Botox last? The answer to that is also a case-by-case situation.
For some, regular treatments are needed to control migraines, while others can receive permanent relief from one series of treatments. Just as the causes and triggers for migraines are different for each person, so is the reaction to Botox.
Botox treatment for migraines will not help reduce signs of aging unless, by coincidence, a migraine trigger point happens to be a facial muscle that lies under an area of concern. For example, Botox injected into the forehead to relieve migraine will help soften the look of fine lines there.
If you are interested in receiving cosmetic Botox, speak with one of our specialists. It may be possible to combine treatments.
Complete aftercare instructions will be provided on the day of your treatment. We recommend relaxing for the day as much as possible and avoiding particularly strenuous workouts. Exercise may cause the treated muscles to contract and decrease the injection’s effectiveness.
In addition, the skin around the injection site may feel tender. Do not touch or rub treated areas or use harsh cleansers, and do not apply makeup to treated areas for 24 hours.
There is no real recovery time needed. You can drive yourself to our Clearwater, FL, office and home again. If you’re wondering how long Botox last, feel free to ask your specialist about the best ways to extend the effectiveness of Botox for migraines.
Botox isn’t a cure, but for some people, a reduction in the frequency of migraine pain can feel like a miracle. If you want to know more about getting a Botox treatment or are wondering how long Botox takes to work, contact us at Priority You MD. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule a consultation to see if Botox could help relieve your migraine pain.
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