A migraine gives you immense pain, and it might sometimes be unbearable. Along with the headache, you might also have problems like nausea, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity. If you have migraine, you always try to figure out a way to prevent or manage them.
Several treatments are coming up nowadays, but doctors have begun recommending Botox injections. But beware, botox is recommended only for people with chronic migraines.
How is chronic migraine different from other migraines?
What makes chronic migraine different is the frequency at which it happens.
Chronic Migraine symptoms
- Have headaches for more than 15 days each month
- Have migraines on at least 8 of those days
- Headaches last longer than 4 hours
Chronic migraine, as the name indicates, is more severe, frequent, and painful.
What is Botox, and how can it help?
Botox s made of botulinum toxin. It is a neurotoxin produced by bacteria. It was earlier popular for its effects on cosmetic treatments. For instance, it is an excellent method to smoothen wrinkles. Here is how it works.
Botox, when used, blocks signals from nerves and paralyzes the muscles. So, when it comes to wrinkles, the injected botox stops muscles from forming wrinkles and blocks the nerves from sending messages to the brain to contract the muscle. Thus, the wrinkle is smoothened.
Botox was also used for treating tics and spasms. With years of research and findings, botox is now used for many purposes, including hyperhidrosis, temporomandibular joint disorder, chronic migraine, etc.
This brings us to the critical question…
How does botox work on chronic migraines?
Botox was approved for the treatment of chronic migraines in 2010. However, it is vital to note that while botox is approved for cases with chronic or more frequent migraines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve botox for non-chronic migraine cases.
Botox is injected into the areas of the body where headache discomfort originates. It stops the pain networks in the brain from getting activated. When botox enters the injected area in the nerve endings, it immediately blocks the pain transmission by stopping the release of the necessary chemical.
Botox Treatment
Now, when your doctor prescribes the botox treatment, there is a specific pattern you will follow. Once every 12 weeks, you will get multiple shots of botox, as required and prescribed by the doctors. Headaches can be dulled or prevented with these infected injections.
The results will be seen two or three weeks after you have started the treatment. First, however, you must get the proper treatment done by a trained doctor. While doctors for cosmetic uses and other necessities might also be familiar with botox treatment, you should get this type of treatment only from doctors trained to give botox treatment for chronic migraine headaches.
Side Effects
Botox treatment has some side effects, with neck pain and headache being the common ones. However, some may develop allergic reactions based on the individual response to botox. In that case, you will have symptoms like shortness of breath or swelling in your lower legs. You may also have signs like hives. You must also be careful in the usage of botox as a mistake could prove to be deadly.