Migraines affect many people to the extent that they can’t continue with their daily tasks. To make things more complicated is that a migraine can also because by numerous things, and it can be trial and error to figure out what the problem is. Anyone experiencing debilitating, recurring pain has resorted to many self-help treatments or medications to try and minimise pain and recurrence.

We want you to know that the symptoms of chronic migraines (headaches for more than 15 days a month) can be managed better with the help of Botox. We will look at how Botox can be the answer for you in managing and treating your migraines.

1. How does Botox work?

Botox is a neurotoxin derived from botulinum toxin injected into the muscles to block the signal and reduce neurotransmitters. These are also responsible for the transmission of pain caused by migraines. By delaying or stopping them from sending pain signals, you will feel relief from the symptoms of chronic migraine.

2. How Long does it take to work?

The body will absorb the Botox as soon as it is injected, and pain signals should already subside. You should experience significant relief from migraines on the same day still, with the optimum results effective after two weeks. As long as the Botox remains in your system, blocking the nerve messages, you should experience less pain. Keep in mind that this is different than preventative Botox.

3. How long will Botox injections last?

Depending on the frequency and intensity of your migraine, your physician might recommend that you come for Botox every three months. You should talk to your doctor about recommendations and other medication to alleviate symptoms, and we will also advise you on the best areas to receive the injections based on the location of the migraine.

4. Will my health insurance cover the cost?

One of the Botox questions that a person has revolves around health insurance. You may be able to apply for insurance if your migraine has been diagnosed as chronic by a doctor.  It will also depend on what plan you are on as well as on the following:

·  Frequency of migraines

·  Official diagnosis

·  Medical history

·  Previous treatment

If you and your doctor have tried numerous medications without luck, you might qualify for Botox as a medical treatment for your migraines.

5. Will it make my migraines go away?

Botox is not a permanent cure for migraines as its origin might lie in the nerve transmitters, but the root cause is also at play. Clients have found that with Botox, and a combination of medications and treatments, migraines are more manageable and less severe.

Some causes of migraines:

Caffeine,

Bright light

Hormones

Anxiety

Environmental factors

So the above can trigger your migraines, but ultimately the signal for pain will still be activated in your body, and that is where Botox can help you.

6. Can I expect any side effects?

If this is your first Botox appointment, it’s important to know that the injections will be at the site causing you the pain, so you might experience irritation, redness, itching or muscle stiffness in that area as the Botox kicks in. It might also induce a headache as the muscle adjusts to the toxin. In the case where you are allergic to Botox, you may see a rash or skin irritation, and you can come to us, and we can dissolve the Botox. What you should be experiencing, though, is only relief from your migraines.

7. Will I experience the benefits of Botox as a tool for reducing wrinkles?

The areas where you will receive Botox for the purpose of helping to ease migraines will be on your neck and your head. The injections will paralyse the muscle and the nerve, so the area will be relaxed, thus having the added benefit of smoothing out fine lines. Botox for cosmetic purposes is usually administered on the face, though, around the eyes, forehead and lips.

8. What can I expect to feel?

Afterwards, you will feel numbness at the injection sight that might be a strange feeling at first. Once the swelling and redness have calmed down, the nerves will settle as well, and you will be used to the new feeling and the reduced pain that should go with it when you experience a migraine.

9. What about other medications?

As with any procedure, it is vital that you discuss the other medications you may be taking for migraines or other conditions with your physician and with us during consultation. We will ensure that we give you the best advice with the information you provide us so we know that Botox is the best way forward and manage it as part of your pain management plan.

10.  When can I start?

We can start your first treatment session when you have consulted with your doctor and with us, and both are happy to continue administering Botox for migraines.