Using Botox For Migraines
Though Botox may be a household name due to its ability to diminish the appearance of wrinkles when used cosmetically, it is also a powerful treatment for a number of medical issues.
Botox, which is also known as OnaboutlinumtoxinA, is made of the neurotoxin botulinum toxin type A, and has been used for decades in many medical treatments including for the treatment of cervical dystonia, overactive bladder, crossed eyes and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Botulinum toxin type A causes temporary muscle paralysis by blocking the signals between the nerves of the injected muscle and the brain. But how exactly does Botox work to help treat migraines? When it comes to treating chronic migraines, doctors believe that the neurotransmitters blocked by the injections are those that signal pain, allowing patients to live pain-free after receiving Botox injections.
Botox injections are not suitable for all migraines and require the patient to have been diagnosed with migraine headaches. Only patients who suffer from headaches most days of the month — meaning that the patient exhibits symptoms of headaches 15 or more days of the month, with at least eight of those days involving migraines — are eligible candidates for Botox injections.
If you are a suitable candidate, Botox injections can be a great option to help prevent headaches and migraines and reduce the pain of future headaches.
What to Expect From Treatment
To receive Botox injections for migraines, patients must go to a provider who is experienced in the techniques required for treating migraine headaches with Botox specifically. Injections are not very painful, as a very small needle is used to perform the injections. Patients will simply feel a tiny pinprick, and treatment is typically very quick.
On average, one treatment session will only take around 15 minutes. Treatment sessions should take place approximately 12 weeks part, and new patients should receive a minimum of two treatments to determine whether they experience any benefits. The full benefits of treatment will likely not be experienced with less than two sessions.
There are over 30 injection sites and Botox is applied in seven muscle areas on the head and neck areas. Some of these include Corrugator, Trapezius, Temporalis, Occipitalis, Procerus, Cervical paraspinal muscle group, Frontalis and Temporalis.
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