None — BACKGROUND: Migraines are more severe than a typical headache and are often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Migraines may be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway. Imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system, also may be involved. In the U.S., more than 30 million people suffer from a migraine, which means there is a migraine sufferer in 25% of all U.S. households. ( Source: Mayo Clinic, migraine.com)
SMOOTHING OUT MIGRAINES: Botox has been famous for smoothing out wrinkles but has been approved by the FDA to treat chronic migraine headaches in adults. The FDA says that Botox injections have been shown to be effective in preventing the debilitating headaches, intense pulsing, and throbbing pain of migraines. Injections of Botox typically act to temporarily blunt nerve signals to certain muscles or glands.
Botox to treat chronic migraines is given at intervals of about 12 weeks as multiple injections around the head and neck to try to dull future headache symptoms. The FDA’s approval for use of Botox to fight migraines was based on the results of two studies involving 1,384 adults in North America and Europe. ( Source: WebMD)
FINALLY, SOME RELIEF: Relief from Botox treatment can come as early as 48 hours after injection, and last for up to four months. Side effects such as soreness of neck and numbness are temporary The FDA has placed a "boxed warning" on this drug reporting that its effects may spread from the area of injection to other areas of the body. Other side effects can include swallowing and breathing products but the FDA says it knows of no confirmed cases of the spread of the toxin effect when used in recommended dosages. (Source: WebMD)
NOT FOR EVERYONE: Doctors do say that Botox is not a good option for everyone who suffers from chronic migraines. Candidates for this treatment must have migraines lasting more than 15 days per month for more than four hours a day.
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