Botox Treatment for Chronic Migraine Headaches

Botox treatment for chronic migraine headaches

Migraine is a type of headache, which can be moderate to severe in intensity and is often accompanied by some other nervous symptoms. Migraine causes pain on one half of the head. Migraine can last for about 2-72 hours. Physical activity may increase the pain and may often be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, photophobia or phonophobia. Migraine can happen due to genetic or environmental factors. Almost one third of people suffering from migraine may experience unusual sensory, language or visual signs that may indicate an episode of migraine. 75% people have a family history of migraine. The exact cause of migraines is not known. It is perceived to be a neurovascular disorder. Increased activity in cerebral cortex and pain neurons has been attributed to migraines. Medicinal treatment options for migraine include use of topiramate, propranlol, metoprolol, timolol etc.

Those who have chronic migraine attacks can be treated with Botox injections also. Botox injections are recommended for people having migraine on 15 days or more each month, with each attack lasting for a period of more than 4 hours. The treatment is given to patients of age of more than 18 years. Botox is the first treatment approved by US FDA which is used as a preventive treatment for migraine. The treatment for migraine is quite challenging as the occurrence of attacks is unpredictable. Botox is very effective as preventive treatment. The injections are given to the patient every 3 months. After a few sessions a patient may experience lesser days of headache.

Botox is injected superficially to the scalp and very fine needles are used for the task. The patient experiences negligible discomfort. The common side effect includes neck pain. The treatment may reduce the headaches by 75%. Botox has proven to be a safe, side effects free and affordable treatment option for migraine.

Although migraine attacks are unpredictable there are certain preventive measures that can regulate the triggers causing the headache. Preventive measures include changes in lifestyle, nutritional supplements, medications etc. people having more than two attacks per week or those who cannot tolerate medications should practice preventive measures.