Botox is a non-invasive, injectable treatment that’s best known for its ability to smooth out pesky wrinkles and fine lines. However, Botox also has several other FDA-approved uses, one of which is to treat chronic migraines. But how can a cosmetic treatment like Botox treat migraines? And does Botox really work for migraine headaches? Below, we’re answering these questions and more as we go over everything you need to know about Botox for migraines.
Does Botox Work for Migraine Headaches?
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat chronic migraines and studies have shown that Botox is an effective treatment for chronic migraines. It’s important to note that Botox is only FDA-approved as a treatment for those with chronic migraine headaches, and not for those with other types of acute or chronic headaches. Chronic migraines are defined as migraines that last for 4 hours a day on 15 or more days in a month. So those who experience migraine headache days at this frequency or higher may be good candidates for this type of Botox treatment.
How Does Botox Work for Migraine Headaches?
The active ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin protein that works by blocking signals from your nerves. When Botox is used for facial wrinkles, it blocks signals from the nerves in the face, causing the face to relax and improving the appearance of wrinkles. When Botox is used for migraines, it’s applied around nerve endings that are connected to migraine pain, which doctors believe blocks the neurotransmitters within the brain that transmit pain signals. This prevents the activation of pain networks within the brain, preventing migraine headaches before they start.
What is Getting Botox for Migraine Headaches Like?
When you get Botox for migraines, Botox injections will be applied to specific locations of the head and neck. Everyone’s migraine pain and migraine side effects can be different, so the exact location and amount of injections that would be right for you can vary. For example, if you have migraine pain that occurs in one specific area, you may need more injections in that area than another patient would. When you get Botox for migraines at the Z Center for Cosmetic Health, Dr. Zadeh will assess your unique migraine symptoms to determine the application that would work best for you.
While the way Botox for migraines is applied can vary per patient, the time the treatment takes is generally the same, around 15 minutes. Then, while everyone’s level of pain tolerance can vary, know that most people do not find getting Botox for migraines particularly painful.
What Migraine Symptoms Can Botox Treat? Does Botox Offer Migraine Pain Relief?
Botox treatments for migraine headaches can help reduce migraine pain symptoms, like head pain and neck pain, and can also help reduce other migraine symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells.
When Do You See the Results of Botox for Migraine Headaches?
After your first treatment, it can take around 10 to 14 days to start seeing the results of Botox for migraine headaches.
Does Botox for Migraine Headaches Require Downtime?
No, Botox for migraines does not require any downtime. After getting a Botox treatment for migraines, you can immediately resume your normal daily activities.
How Long Does Botox for Migraine Headaches Last?
Botox for migraines can last up to 3 months depending on the patient. The results of Botox for migraines can generally be maintained with regular treatments scheduled approximately 3 months apart.
Is Botox for Migraines Covered by Health Insurance?
Unlike Botox for wrinkles, Botox for migraines is not a cosmetic treatment, but a treatment for a specific medical condition. Because of this, Botox for migraines can sometimes be covered by insurance. Contact your health insurance provider to ask whether or not Botox for migraines would be covered by your insurance plan.
What Type of Doctor Can Give Botox for Migraine Headaches?
When you get Botox for migraines, it’s important to look for a provider who is experienced at providing this specific type of Botox treatment, like our own Dr. Zadeh. To be effective and safe, Botox for migraines needs to be applied to highly specific regions of the head and neck. Then, for maximum effectiveness, Botox for migraines should also be tailored to your specific type of migraine pain. You should only get Botox for migraines from a healthcare provider who is trained to give this specific type of Botox, rather than someone who is only trained to apply Botox cosmetically.
Botox for Migraine Headaches in Sherman Oaks, CA
If you’re interested in trying Botox for your chronic migraines, make a consultation appointment at the Z Center for Cosmetic Health today. All of our Botox for migraine treatments are performed by Dr. Zadeh himself. Dr. Zadeh is a Board Certified General Surgeon who is trained to provide Botox for migraines, as well as highly experienced at providing Botox for migraines.
To provide the best results, Dr. Zadeh takes a personalized approach to applying Botox for migraines. When you come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Zadeh will evaluate your migraine symptoms and the level of impairment they cause on your daily life. Then, he will explain your treatment options and determine which injection sites and how many units would work best to safely achieve your desired results. 2 weeks after your first treatment, you’ll see Dr. Zadeh again for a follow up appointment. During this follow up appointment, Dr. Zadeh will assess whether or not additional injections are required to receive optimal results from your treatment.