Botox is a treatment that has been used for years to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but now the FDA has approved Botox for migraines. This treatment was approved after there had been two studies done on over 1000 adults that proved that it was effective at treating migraines. A migraine is a type of headache that is characterized by debilitating pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. A patient may also suffer from a throbbing type of pain. In order for a headache to be classified as a migraine, it has to occur 15 or more days out of the month and it has to last for four hours or more at a time.
Although migraines are usually not caused by anything serious, they can make doing even the most mundane tasks impossible. Some people miss days of work and school because of these terrible headaches. Others cannot even take care of their families or go out with their friends. Fortunately, Botox may be able to help those individuals.
Individuals who are suffering from migraines and feel that the other treatments are not helping should talk to their doctors about Botox. Only a doctor can decide whether this type of treatment is right for the patient. If a patient is approved for this treatment, he or she will receive injections in his or her head and neck. These injections will usually be given in intervals over the course of 12 weeks. Botox migraine has been shown to be very effective and patients can expect their results to last up to three months. This treatment may be less effective for individuals who suffer from migraines fewer than 15 days out of the month.
Although Botox has been regarded as safe and effective for treating migraines, a patient may possibly suffer from some adverse side effects. Two of the most common side effects include headache and neck pain. Some more serious side effects include muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, double vision, and loss of bladder control. However, it is important to note that the more serious side effects are extremely rare, and that those risks are further reduced if a person gets this treatment administered under a qualified health care provider.
Migraines are terrible, but they do not have to ruin a person’s life. Anyone who has exhausted all other methods of treatment and still have not received any relief should talk to their doctors about getting Botox treatment for their migraines. This may seem like a radical treatment, but migraines cause debilitating pain and can negatively affect a person’s work, family, and or school life. That is why going through Botox will most likely be well worth it.
As i was watching the facial reaction of the lady, she seems in pain….I hope not cause’ I’ll visit the Botox Clinics Melbourne tomorrow which was recommended by my friend. I’ll make an inquiry regarding botox. Hope they could convince me to have botox.
I have been using Botox in my dental practice to treat grinding and migraines and it has been very effective.
I have suffered with migraines and neck pain for many years. Botox has given me my life back. I have arthritis in my neck and Botox is the ONLY thing that has given me relief.
I just received bottom yesterday, praying that this is my answer to getting my life back! I suffer from debilatating migraines, vascular and tension headaches. This is has been a long road have always had the headaches, but the past two years have been hell! During my battle it was found that I have brain aneurysms, I had one clipped and am living with 3 more ticking time bombs! I seriously have all my eggs in one basket with Botox! Keeping my fingers crossed for us all! How much have you all received as far as units?
I just had Botox treatments for my migraines today. It was my first time with Botox. I had a series of 16 injections (around the temples, forehead, and cervical area of the neck). Yeah, it stung and burned a little, but it wasn’t all that bad. Some areas are more tender than others and I’m a bit numb in my forehead, but so far so good. I’m 26, so I received a fair amount of teasing from my friends, but if it rids me of my migraines (or helps them) then a little pain is worth it!
In May of 2011 I received my first Botox injections for migraines. I received a total of 31 injections around my face/head/skull. I went back 90 days later (August, 2011) and received another set of injections. I have a stiff neck which I believe to be a side affect of the injections, but I do believe that I am experiencing fewer migraines than before. I haven’t had the reduction in them that I want, but believe that with continued injections they will reduce even more. I am a 48 year old female who has had migraines up to 20 or more times a month since I was 12 years old. Seriously, at times I have thought dying would be better than the continued life with migraines. I have tried everything and I mean everything possible to rid myself of them. I have been under a doctor’s care since I was 12 (not always the same doctor). From my GP, GYN, chiropractors, PT, Neurologist, and Neurosurgeons to my current doctor who is a Neurologist with LSU and teaches at LSUS. I have more hope today that I will experience fewer and fewer migraines than ever before. I think others should give it a try.
In addition to my earlier comment, I take Zomig and a pain medication when I experience migraines.
Terri i too have been sufferring debilitating Migraines since I was 10 years old. I get the flashes, numbness vomiting etc and in recent years only an injection of pain meds would ease the pain. I have also tried everything under the sun. I had heard about the success that Migraine sufferers had when they started Botox. I am now about to get my third treatment. I just get the shots in my forehead, as if for wrinkles, and it has been fantastic, this treatment i have not had one, and know that i am due again when regular light headaches return – nearly exactly 6 months. I still take my preventative meds (inderal) and now have few migraines, and less wrinkles – its a win win for me!!
It will be interesting to see if this treatment works. I have not suffered from migraines but I recently saw a few stories on news mags like The Journal with Joan Lunden and CNN that were talking about the number of people who deal with chronic migraines and the effects it has on their lives. It sounds horrible. Hopefully this treatment will have the capability of helping some people.
Thx for the feedback, everyone. I have suffered for 11 years w/migraines (about 20/mo) and have tried many meds, chiropractor, acupuncture, and I am gluten free, dairy free and soy free. My first botox set of injections is wednesday. Thx again. Keep your fingers crossed:).
I started with botox injections in July 2010, and have been getting them every 3 months. While I still have frequent headaches the pain is greatly diminished and I am taking less prescription medicine than I was before the botox.
I started acupuncture also, and the combination has left me feeling better than I have in decades. (I’ve been having migraines for over 35 years.)
I have suffered with chronic migraine for the last 37 years. i had hoped after menopause they would have gotten better but no luck… i have tried everything including biofeedback,accupuncture,a cliical study years ago for imitrex,deep tissue massage and chiropractor. i recently had botox injections and noticed i havent gotten any relief. i am so dissapointed, has any one experienced this. i am wondering if i should get the second set in three months.i’m really discouraged after reading everyone elses positive responses
I’m 19 and have terrible migraines with aura that cause me to pass out. I’ve tried many different medications and have been to the mayo clinic and u of m seeking help. One of the doctors have recently suggested botox but I’m skeptical since I’m only 19 and don’t know much about it. If anyone has any suggestions or helpful information I would appreciate it!
Hi, I recently had Botox injections done the day before Thanksgiving for face pain from failed sinus surgery and Migraines. I too have been to the Mayo clinic and have used every drug under the sun. Tried this 4 yrs ago with some success, so I went back now to get relief before going on a vacation. It back fired. I have terrible pain and headaches worse than before. I have no idea why this time I am having an adverse effect to the Botox. one of the side effects can be headaches so beware. I am frustrated and in more pain than ever! Looking for any helpful advice from others too.
I have had migraines since I was 3 years old. I am now 29 and I have tried everything! I take cymbalta 60mg once a day and frova 2.5 when I have one that over the counter medicine will not get rid of. I am currently trying Botox and have high hopes that it will help me. I also give myself tordol injections when the migraine gets really out of control. For all migraine sufferers I suggest trying cymbalta it has helped cut down on the frequency and the pain level. I have missed work, school , family functions all because of debilitating migraines. I hope this information will help some of you!
I have been suffering severe migraines for years. With that I have had MANY different types of treatment. I currently take 120mg of Cymbalta every morning, Thyroid meds, muscle relaxers, sleeping meds. You name it to keep them under control.I have been on the botox injections for a little over two years. They had been really helping up until the last two times. With the past two injection times. I have had a very stiff neck and shoulder that makes me nausious and tires me out, I also have vision problems that start about two weeks after each injection time. They have been injecting 200 units every three – four months. I am to the point that I don’t know what to do. I don’t have as many headaches, but still have pain in the neck area.
I am going to a top headache clinic in about two weeks just to see what my other options may be. H
I also would like to know if any of you are able to get your insurance to pay for the botox injections. My insurance(United Health Care)still won’t pay for the injections and the cost is about $1300 every 3 1/2 months. That is starting to get really expensive coming out of my pocket.
I have been suffering from severe migraines for the last 2 years and I tried everything for relief. I’ve been to chiropractors, massage therapists, spiritual healers, I’ve even become a vegetarian in hopes of them going away. I have a 10 month old baby and a 10 year old and I’m not able to care for them when I get my migraines. I went for my first botox session today and I really hope that this will put an end to my migraines and headaches. I’m experiencing some tenderness in my temples and forehead and I hope that this is normal. My heart really goes out to all of you who have suffered with migraines for many years. I know how depressed and fustrated I’ve felt these last 2 years…I really can’t imagine going through this for much longer. Good luck to everyone and I hope that no one will have to suffer with another migraine again!!
I have been getting migraines since I was 17 years old and I am now 41.I have been through so many meds and treatments, as with all of you also. Unfortunately I have a very high tolerance for pain meds so nothing has helped me. The migraines have gotten much worse over time. and Over the past few years its hard to remember the last time I have NOT had a migraine, it is a daily thing for me. My neurologist sent me to a Specialist at Yale, and I ended up getting a Opcipital nerve implant, And it has helped where meds haven’t. I still do get them all the time since the machine is NOT a cure but a form of pain management, but there are times that the machine actually helps temper down the pain, and as we all know, sometimes that is the greatest relief if there is nothing that helps. Now the pain focuses on my forehead and my Dr. is having me try Botox, insurance actually approved it and hopefully this will help. So desperate for something to work.