American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Botox injections can alleviate chronic migraine headaches


Botox has become a commonplace treatment for the correction of fine lines and facial wrinkles. In recent years, the use of Botox has been expanding. In 2010, the FDA officially approved the use of Botox to treat chronic migraine headaches. The definition of a chronic migraine is when a person has a headache 15 or more days a month. It is estimated that approximately 3.2 million Americans live with chronic migraine headaches. Many patients are reporting success in treating their chronic migraine headaches with Botox.

Botox prevents migraine headaches before they start, but takes time to work. It is injected around the pain fibers involved in the production of headaches. As Botox enters the nerve endings near the site where it is injected, it blocks the release of chemicals and other neurotransmitters involved in pain pathways. Most patients see increasing benefit with an increase in the number of treatments, and it can take up to six months to see the maximum benefit from Botox.

Are Botox injections for migraines covered by insurance?

In some instances, insurance plans will cover Botox for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches, although patients usually must have tried and failed to respond to two other preventative treatments. The number of units may vary between individuals, but the FDA-recommended dosage is 155 units involving 31 injections in seven areas of the head and neck. Treatments are usually spaced 12 weeks apart.

The most commonly reported side effect after Botox injection for chronic migraine headaches is neck pain. Other adverse effects may include focal pain at the injection sites, unwanted muscle weakness, blurry vision, dry mouth, swallowing difficulties and some patients even report diffuse fatigue. Most of these adverse effects improve or resolve within the first 7 to 10 days after injections.

Will Botox injections for migraines work for me?

Although it is difficult to predict who exactly will respond to treatment, typically those who are going to respond will note some improvement in headaches following the first set of injections. Although not everyone is going to respond to Botox treatment, it can be effective in certain individuals in alleviating the symptoms and/or frequency of chronic migraine headaches.


The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Jason Lichten Headshot

Jason Lichten, MD

U.S. Board Certified
680 Buckles Court North Suite 2B
Columbus, OH 43230
United States

7406535064

Anne Taylor Headshot

Anne Taylor, MD

U.S. Board Certified
7227 North High Street #256
Worthington, OH 43085
United States

16145692649

Susan Vasko Headshot

Susan Vasko, MD, FACS

U.S. Board Certified
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
United States

1614246-6900

Brian Dorner Headshot

Brian Dorner, MD

U.S. Board Certified
4930 Bradenton Ave.
Dublin, OH 43017
United States

1614336-9000

Gregory Pearson Headshot

Gregory Pearson, MD

U.S. Board Certified
OSU Plastic Surgery, 915 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43212
United States

1614293-9030

Robert Houser Headshot

Robert Houser, DO

U.S. Board Certified
41 Commerce Park Drive
Westerville, OH 43082
United States

6148905565

Amy Moore Headshot

Amy Moore, MD

U.S. Board Certified
Suite 2100, 915 Olentangy River Rd.
Columbus, OH 43212
United States

1614293-5312

Robert Heck Headshot

Robert Heck, MD, FACS

U.S. Board Certified
4030 Easton Station Suite 260
Columbus, OH 43219
United States

1614246-6900

Logo

Patient Care Center