Botox for Migraine Relief
Migraines can be debilitating and difficult to treat – Botox can help! If you’ve ever experienced a migraine or have them frequently, you know how painful and challenging they can be to stay on top of. OTC painkillers take hours to kick in and are unhealthy to use on a daily basis. Did you know that Botox (yes, the anti-wrinkle product) can be used to treat migraines?
What is Botox?
Botox’s main ingredient is botulinum toxin A, which temporarily stops movement in the muscles it’s injected into. This releases tension and provides relief, but is most commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the forehead, neck, and crow’s feet areas. It generally takes about 7 days for Botox to take full effect and it lasts anywhere from 3-6 months.
After being FDA approved for temporarily paralyzing muscles for cosmetic purposes, researchers and doctors discovered that Botox can help those with chronic medical conditions, too. In 2010 Botox was approved to treat conditions like migraines, lazy eyes, neck spasms, and even overactive bladders.
How does Botox Treat Migraines?
Botox is FDA approved to treat chronic migraines. For a migraine to be considered “chronic”, it has to be active for at least 15 days per month. No one wants to suffer from headaches that often, and thankfully Botox becomes more effective as severity increases!
When you get Botox injections as a treatment for migraines, you’ll likely receive injections in the temples, forehead, and the back of the neck. These injections allow the botulinum toxin to directly target the pain receptors in those areas. The muscles responsible for migraines and pain will then relax and relieve you of debilitating headaches.
The key to treating migraines with Botox is patience. Unlike other common cosmetic injections, Botox takes 3-7 days to start activating. You’ll most likely start feeling relief after the second or third treatment session. Thankfully, you can continue taking OTC medications to bring relief until your muscles and pain receptors are relaxed - then you can say goodbye to pain pills and migraines for months at a time!
What is the Botox Dosage Needed to Stop Migraines?
Most migraine treatment plans involve injections in multiple places. You’ll likely need a total of 31 injections every 12 weeks to stay on top of your migraines. Injections are spread out over 7 spots around the neck, back, and head:
between the shoulders and neck (right and left side)
base of the skull (right and left side)
back of the head, behind each ear
middle of the forehead, above each eye
above the nose
near the edge of each eyebrow
behind each temple (right and left side)
Botox is an affordable treatment. Book an appointment at Urban You medical spa today and get 1 FREE area of Botox when you purchase 2! We offer personalized treatment plans and have an expert staff of injectors with over 40 years of experience.
What are the Side Effects of Botox for Migraine?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment with few side effects. Before getting Botox (or any injectable treatment), research the rarer, yet more serious possible side effects. While Botox is generally safe under the care of a certified provider, it is possible for the botulinum toxin to spread. Your appointment will take about 20 minutes. Botox injections feel like a small pin prick, and you can ask your provider for a topical Lidocaine treatment if it helps you feel more comfortable. The most common Botox side effects are:
Drooping eyelids
Muscle weakness
Difficulty smiling or speaking
Tenderness at injection sites
Double vision
Botox can be a life changing form of treatment for people over 18 years old who struggle with chronic migraines. Because it is a temporary fix, you can stop treatment if it doesn’t provide you with the results you’re looking for! If you want to learn more about Botox for migraines or book an appointment, visit the buttons below or download the free Urban You app! The UY app is your online hub for scheduling appointments, receiving exclusive deals, shopping for luxury skincare, and more!
