Botox for Migraines, Sherman Oaks, CA

Botox is effective for managing chronic migraines and headaches, in short bursts or even for individuals who experience 15 or more headache days per month. Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to muscles that can trigger migraines, reducing headache frequency and severity by half or more.

Botox injections for chronic migraines typically target specific areas around the head, forehead, frowns, neck, masseter, and shoulders, where muscle tension contributes to migraines. The targeted treatment site can be different for each person.

Botox injections last 3-4 months. However, some get it every 6 months. Regular Botox treatment can reduce the frequency of migraines over time and may improve in the long term migraines may be reduced even after Botox effects have worn off.

50-75% of people who receive Botox for migraines will see a reduction in the frequency of migraines and severity. The effectiveness depends on the number of units used, the number of areas affected, and the strength of the muscles.

Sometimes insurance may cover the medical version of Botox for migraines. However, the co-pay may come out more expensive than when the procedure is cash or with a cosmetic version of Botox (same product, different lot numbers). It is important to check with your insurance provider to determine what conditions are needed to have it covered, and with your medical providers to compare co-pay costs.

You should avoid rubbing or massaging the injection site, lying down, or exercising for at least 4 hours, and excessive heat exposure 1 day after treatment.

If you have certain neuromuscular disorders like myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, and ALS, you shouldn’t get Botox. Pregnant, breastfeeding women and people with allergies to Botox should also avoid it.

You might be a good candidate for Botox for migraines if you have a history of recurrent headaches or chronic migraines that have not responded well to other treatments. Also if you do not have any neuromuscular issues and are not pregnant.

Botox is considered safe for long-term use. The muscles may weaken over time and result in reduced headaches and migraines even if Botox treatments are not as frequently performed or stopped. Possible side effects can be mitigated by going to an experienced provider.

Initial side effects with Botox may cause short-term side effects like headache, neck pain, and muscle stiffness due to the needle pokes. The injections can initially irritate the muscles and cause more contraction and pain. However, once the Botox kicks in (between 3-10 days), these symptoms dissipate. If you are prone to this initial increase in pain, an anti-inflammation such as Advil prior to your visit may be a good idea, even though the risk of bruising may increase a little bit.

The amount of injections for Botox with migraines varies with the origin of the migraine. Remember that 10 units do not equal 10 injections. a single poke can actually deliver 1-15 units of Botox.  The actual number of pokes is determined by how large of an area we want to spread the Botox effectiveness.  Typical number of pokes for each area is about 4-6 injections.

Typical side effects may include temporary headaches and neck pain, These effects usually subside within 1 to 2 weeks. Heavy feelings on the forehead or eyelids can also occur if these areas are treated, which can take a few weeks to resolve. They are not permanent. The results last approximately 3 to 4 months. Rarely, some may develop antibodies to a botox which may render it ineffective.

The migraines will slowly return to their baseline intensity and frequency at around the 3 to 6-month mark. Some patients find that after several rounds of Botox, their migraines improve even after stopping it which can lead to a longer lasting reduction in migraine frequency and intensity over time. Others may revert back to the original migraine pattern after Botox wears off.

Yes and no. While the product is the same, the treatment techniques have similarities and differences. This depends on the targeted injection sites, dosing, and depth. Frown and forehead areas for example can be treated for both cosmetic results and to treat migraines. However, migraine Botox can target the neck, scalp, jaw (Masseter), traps, and the shoulders. These areas are larger, usually require a higher number of units of Botox, and do not necessarily result in cosmetic benefits. On the flip side, cosmetic Botox is used to reduce wrinkles by temporarily relaxing facial muscles which results in a smoother skin appearance.

Botox is generally well tolerated but rarely, it can result in side effects such as muscle weakness in unintended muscles, difficulty swallowing or speaking, rash, neck pain, headache, heavy lids or eyebrows, or flu-like symptoms.

Neurologists and cosmetic doctors who specialize in injectables can give Botox for migraines.  The most important determining factor in their skill is the amount of experience and training they have put towards this specific condition.

It is important to stay upright for at least 4 hours after Botox injections to prevent Botox from spreading to unintended areas.  After the 4 hours, you can sleep however you like. However, bear in mind that sleeping on your face, with or without Botox can scrunch up the skin and cause wrinkling. Ultimately, a sleeping position on your back is optimal for wrinkle-preventative measures.

Botox for migraines may help reduce wrinkles around the forehead and frown lines even though the primary treatment is to reduce muscle tension and treat pain pathways.  And the other way around can work too, where treating these areas for cosmetic reasons may result in benefits for migraine reduction as a favorable side effect.

First and foremost, the origin of migraines is usually vascular while the cause of tension headaches is excessive muscle contractions. Sinus headaches are painful stimuli from pressures within the sinuses. However, these headaches (especially migraine and tension headaches) can ignite one another and create a perpetual cycle of increasing pain.

Botox injections for migraines utilize very small, short needles and hence cause minimal discomfort.  However, topical numbing creams and zimmer cooling device is available for your extra comfort.