How Does Botox Help with Migraines?

How Does Botox Help with Migraines?

Botox for migraines? Count me in! In fact, my very first experience with Botox was a treatment for migraines. I used to have debilitating headaches. I had to take multiple medications which many times were ineffective. I learned to live with them but sometimes it was a challenge. Then I heard about Botox. Could it really help? It was worth and try. If I happened to have fewer wrinkles in the process even better.

I actually didn’t enjoy how the Botox looked the first time I got it. I had the arched brow (like Spock) that many people complain about. However, my headaches did get better. Years later, as I entered the world of aesthetics, I studied and administered cosmetic Botox for my clients. Many reported improvement in headaches with just cosmetic placement.

There is a migraine protocol that some people require. This involves injections into certain muscles in the scalp. This is not a difficult procedure to administer, but it can be quite expensive as many units of Botox are usually required to achieve a therapeutic effect. The larger muscles in the scalp will require more units than the smaller muscles of the face.

Fortunately, even the cosmetic application seems to provide relief of headaches. The migraine process can be quite complex with multiple triggers and a response inside the brain. There tends to be a tension component to migraines. In my own case, I experience an involuntary scrunching of the facial muscles when my head hurts. When Botox is applied to those muscles, they cannot contract as strongly. Thus, the headache is less severe.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, “Botox is injected around pain fibers that are involved in headaches. Botox enters the nerve endings around where it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. This prevents activation of pain networks in the brain.”

To find out more about Botox, its application and expected side effects, see my blog “Is Botox Right for You?”.

Call 386-283-4180 to schedule your free consultation or visit our website at Amethystwellness.com.

Here’s to your health,

Dr. Amy

Author

Dr. Amy Coopersmith