Botox Injections for Migraine Q&A

Botox can help treat migraines by paralyzing the muscles in the head that are responsible for headaches. Since botox is a type of botulinum toxin, it acts by blocking neurotransmitters that allow for muscles to contract and move which, in turn, can also deactivate the pain receptors in the muscles, preventing them from ever reaching your brain.

Botox can be an effective way to combat migraines and migraine attacks with most experiencing 50-80% less migraines, however, some individuals may experience even greater levels of relief. In addition to this, a certain study that compared the efficacy of botox and nerve blocks shows that 22.7% of patients who receive botox treatment for migraines become free of all migraines permanently. A successful result for this procedure is typically evaluated at a 30-50% decrease in total migraines.
 
Despite a successful procedure, migraines and headaches may begin to return to their original rate after several months. This is because the nerves can build new pain fibers throughout the muscles in the head and neck. To combat this, botox treatments are recommended to be repeated every 12 weeks until symptoms ease up or until symptoms go away entirely.

When performed by trained medical professionals, botox treatment can be very safe, especially if you meet the qualifications of a good candidate. Before the procedure, anesthesia or another numbing agent may be supplied as the treatment can have around 31 to 39 injections in total. The procedure will involve a doctor or other medical professional injecting Botox into muscles in the neck and head with small needles. You can expect the procedure to last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes in length provided that there are no complications. It may take up to 6 months before the maximum effects of the botox develop, but most will see some results before 4 weeks. Botox treatment may last 10 to 12 months in total.
 
There are possible side effects for the procedure, with the possibility of pain, bruising, and swelling around the injection sites as well as a possible increase in the frequency of migraines and migraine attacks for a temporary period. Some other side effects may include a sore neck, drooping eyelids or eyebrows, dry eyes or excessive tearing, blurred vision, dry mouth, and infection or bleeding. Serious side effects tend to be extremely rare with this type of procedure but may occur and should be addressed immediately.
 
It is recommended that you avoid excessive touching around the procedure site for at least 24 hours afterward. On top of this, you should also not apply makeup, or wash your hair, or face within this period so that the Botox can fully be absorbed. In the case of a sore neck, an ice pack can be applied to reduce soreness.

Adults who experience migraines and headaches on 15 or more days in a month tend to be good candidates for botox injections to treat migraines. Additionally, out of those headache days, more than half of them should be qualified as migraine-level headaches. Botox is a type of botulinum toxin and it may be effective for certain people that may not mesh well with other treatments and medications. However, some people are not advised to get Botox.
 
As it currently stands, botox treatment for migraines is only FDA-approved for treating people who experience headaches on 15 or more days a month. So, those who do not meet this requirement should not turn to Botox as a treatment option. People with a neurological condition linked to muscle weakness, pregnant people, and people who are breastfeeding should also avoid Botox as a treatment. Allergies or sensitivity to botulinum toxin is also a valid concern, and people possessing those traits should avoid Botox entirely. Those with a history of botulism and those who have an infection near the sites of injection should also be discouraged from getting Botox to treat their migraines.
 
Botox for migraines is available at San Antonio Pain Consultants. For more information, contact us or schedule a consultation today. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Castroville TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, and surrounding areas.