If you've ever had a migraine, you know how much it hurts and how it affects every aspect of your li

If you've ever had a migraine, you know how much it hurts and how it affects every aspect of your life. One migraine is enough, but if you suffer from chronic migraines, it can be challenging to deal with and effectively treat.

Medications and alternative therapies work for some, but not everybody responds well to these treatments. If you’re living with painful migraines, you may significantly benefit from Botox® injections for long-term relief.

Dr. Stephanie S. Jones and the Consultants in Pain Medicine team offer various helpful treatments for painful conditions like migraines. Dr. Jones specializes in pain management and provides Botox injections when other treatments have failed to relieve migraine symptoms.

How does Botox work on migraines?

Botox is a well-known neurotoxin that doctors use for various medical conditions. It’s most known for its effect on wrinkles and other signs of aging. Botox temporarily paralyzes muscles in small, calculated doses to prevent skin from showing wrinkles and allowing it to relax.

However, Botox isn’t just a treatment for aging skin; it’s also a solution to chronic health issues like chronic migraines. The FDA approved Botox for the treatment of chronic migraines in 2010, making it a viable option for millions of people.

But how does Botox work for chronic migraines? When Dr. Jones injects it into specific areas, it blocks the release of particular neurotransmitters that send pain signals to the brain. Although the neurotoxin’s effects are temporary, over time, it can prevent migraines from occurring and reduce symptoms.

There are specific spots Dr. Jones targets to reduce pain transmissions that cause the symptoms of migraines. At your appointments, you can expect several injections into the following areas:

• On either side of your neck above the shoulders
• On your head behind the ears
• On either side of the neck near the base of the skull
• Behind the temples, above each ear
• In the middle of the forehead

It often takes several treatments to notice the long-term effects of Botox for migraines. Although some people experience symptom relief after a few weeks, the best results happen after 2-3 treatments, usually 10-12 weeks apart.

Am I a good candidate for Botox?

Botox is an excellent option for many people, but only for some. Dr. Jones carefully evaluates your health and history of migraines to determine if Botox is a good option for your needs. You may be a good candidate for these injections if you:

Have chronic migraines

People who are living with migraines that occur at least 15 days a month and last for more than four hours at a time are good candidates for Botox injections. They can be traditional migraines or tension-type headaches.

Are over 18 years of age

The FDA has only approved the use of Botox for chronic migraines for men and women 18 years of age or older who have chronic migraine symptoms.

Haven’t had relief from other treatments

Medications, acupuncture, massage, and other injections are some of the treatment options for migraines — but they don't work for everyone. If you’ve tried multiple treatments without significant relief, Botox for chronic migraine may be an option for your needs.

Can’t tolerate migraine medications

Doctors use various medications to treat chronic migraines, including blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications. They all come with specific side effects that some people can’t tolerate. Botox could work well for you if you can't tolerate your meds.

Understand the risks of the procedure

Before you undergo your first Botox treatment, you must have realistic expectations and understand the risks of the injections. Although side effects aren’t common, you could experience an allergic reaction, unexpected toxin migration, or muscle weakness.

The results of Botox for chronic migraine

The results of Botox for chronic migraine headaches vary for each individual. Some factors that affect the results may be your overall health, the severity of your migraines, and how you tolerate the injections.

It may take several weeks to get relief after the first Botox injections. Still, most people experience some relief within 10-14 days after treatment. However, it’s essential to understand that repeat treatments are required to maintain fewer migraines and reduced symptoms.

Dr. Jones may suggest repeat treatments every 12 weeks, depending on how much relief you get after the first set of injections. Some people may need injections sooner, while others may get several months out of one treatment.

The goal of Botox for chronic migraine is to reduce the overall symptoms and reduce the number of migraines you get each month. Although the treatment may not eliminate your migraines, it should help you manage the symptoms without medication side effects.

Call Consultants in Pain Medicine today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jones for Botox injections, or request an appointment on the website.