Migraines are debilitating headaches that affect millions in the United States. They’re often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and other symptoms that can last for hours or days.
While many treatments are available, Botox® has emerged as an innovative solution for chronic migraines.
Board-certified neurologist Dr. Andrew Lerman, a migraine sufferer himself, and our team at Gables Neurology in Miami, Florida, specialize in treating migraines. Dr. Lerman works to provide the best treatment for your needs, ranging from oral medication to reduce your migraine pain to preventive therapies like Botox injections.
Read more about the benefits of Botox for migraines and how it works.
Botox, short for botulinum toxin, is used extensively in aesthetic treatments designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
However, interest in using Botox to treat tension-type headaches began in the 1990s. The focus soon shifted to migraine treatment, prompting several clinical trials starting in 2000. The FDA cleared Botox as a chronic migraine treatment in 2010.
Clinical studies show that Botox can reduce migraine frequency by up to 50% for many patients.
Botox works by blocking the release of certain neurotransmitters that carry pain signals to your brain. It acts at your nerve endings, effectively "turning off" pain signals before they reach your central nervous system.
When injected into specific areas of your head and neck, sites corresponding to regions where pain pathways are overactive during a migraine attack, Botox calms overactive pain networks. This helps prevent migraines from taking hold.
Individuals treated with Botox often report an improved quality of life with fewer missed workdays and a decreased reliance on other medications.
Botox for migraines is an in-office treatment that takes 15-20 minutes. Dr. Lerman explains his expectations before administering the medication to specific points across your forehead, temples, and the back of your head, neck, and shoulders.
Candidates for Botox include individuals who haven’t had adequate relief from traditional treatments for chronic migraines (15 or more headache days per month). It’s generally well-tolerated, but you may experience mild discomfort at the injection sites.
Botox isn’t a cure for migraines, and most patients receive treatments every 12 weeks to maintain effectiveness.
Botox can take several weeks to prevent migraines effectively, often 2-4 but up to 12 weeks. Also, you can expect to continue medications as needed to stop an acute migraine attack.
If you haven’t experienced significant results after 2-3 treatments spaced 12 weeks apart, Dr. Lerman may recommend stopping Botox and switching to another preventive therapy.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Lerman at Gables Neurology for comprehensive migraine care tailored to your needs. Call our office or request an appointment online today.
