Botox Injection Treatment for Chronic Migraines

Botox Injection Treatment for Chronic Migraines

How Botox Works for Migraines

When Botox is injected into a specific part of the body, neurotoxins attach themselves to the nerve endings that surround the affected muscles. The toxins inhibit the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contractions. In doing so, the Botox injections help your muscles to relax by effectively blocking the signals your body sends to them that tells them to contract abnormally or to spasm.

Costs of Botox Injections

Botox injections are expensive. They can cost several thousand dollars per set of injections, but most insurance companies will cover the injections if a patient meets criteria for chronic migraine headache. For at least three months, a person must have a headache occurring on 15 or more days per month that has the features of a migraine on at least eight days per month. It is best to speak to a member of our team about options.

Botox Injection Procedure and Results

During the procedure, your doctor uses a thin needle to inject tiny amounts of botulinum toxin (Botox) into key areas of the head, neck and shoulder. The treatment is performed once every 12 weeks to prevent headaches. Based on your progress, you and your doctor will discuss re-treatment every 12 weeks. Many patients may feel relief as early as four weeks with full results at week 24.

Botox Injection Side Effects

Generally, Botox is well-tolerated. The most common side effects include neck pain, muscular weakness and drooping of the eyelid. These side effects are temporary because the treatment wears off over time.

Patients are encouraged to speak to their provider to determine if Botox injections are a preferred treatment option for their symptoms.