Chronic migraines are one of the most disabling forms of headaches. OPTIMAL Pain & Regenerative Medicine® offers Botox injections to patients living in the Dallas, Ft. Worth and Arlington communities who are suffering from chronic headaches.
What are Chronic Migraine Symptoms?
- Moderate to Severe Pain on One or Both Sides of the Head
- A Pulsating, Throbbing Sensation
- Nausea, Vomiting or Both
- Sensitivity to Light, Sound or Smell
- 15 or more days per month over a three month period
What Causes Chronic Migraines?
The causes of chronic migraines have not been definitively identified. Some researches have found the central nervous system, vascular problems, genes and chemical abnormalities can be the root of the cause.
Due to the lack of certainty of the causes, it is also hard to establish the triggers. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Stress
- Salty Foods or Aged Foods
- Skipping Meals
- Caffeine or Alcohol
- Preservatives and Sweeteners
- Bright Lights, Loud Noises or Strong Smells
- Hormonal Changes
- Sleep Cycle Changes
How does Botox for Migraines Works?
Botox is best known for its ability to reduce wrinkles, but in 2010 the FDA approved the use of Botox for migraines after researchers began to see a decrease in chronic migraines after Botox injections.
Botox is an injectable drug made from Clostridium Botulinum. Research has not proven how Botox treats chronic migraines, but it is believed that Botulinum inhibits the release of peripheral nociceptive neurotransmitters, which may then have a knock-on effect on the central pain processing systems that generate migraine headaches.
Botox for migraines are typically given once every three months. One of our doctors will inject multiple doses of the medicine in specific points along the bridge of the nose, temples, forehead, back of the head and neck, and in the upper back. The injections feel like tiny pinpricks – some patients report mild discomfort.
Relief is not immediate. Botox for migraines can take as long as 10 to 14 days. In clinical trials, Botox injections provided a significant reduction in headache days after the first treatment. In some cases patients may not see improvements – in that case one of our doctors will discuss the best way to move forward.
Am I a Candidate?
Botox for migraines are considered for patients 18 years or older. If patients are experiencing 15 or more migraines a month for more than 3 months, Botox treatment can be considered. In some cases, patients will be asked to keep a migraine diary to track frequency, duration and symptoms.