All You Need To Know About Botox For Migraines

What Causes Migraines?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Migraines can be triggered by various factors including hormonal changes, stress, certain foods, environmental factors and even genetic predispositions. Essentially, it’s like a perfect storm brewing within your brain, leading to an intense throbbing sensation that can leave you feeling helpless.

The impact of migraines extends far beyond the physical discomfort. They can disrupt work, social activities and personal relationships. You may be familiar with the frustration of missing out on opportunities as a migraine forces you to retreat to a dark room. We invite you to consider Botox for migraines and take back control of your body and your life.

Botox For Migraines
Contrary to popular belief, Botox is not just for smoothing out wrinkles but a potential saviour for migraine sufferers. Botox, the same treatment lauded for its cosmetic benefits, is medically approved for the preventive treatment of chronic migraines. Botulinum toxin injections, commonly referred to as Botox, have a twofold effect on pain. They block the release of certain chemicals involved in the transmission of pain signals and when injected into specific muscles of the head and neck, they help relax those muscles and prevent them from contracting excessively. This calming physiological effect can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, providing much-needed relief to sufferers.

Is This The Right Treatment For You?
Like all aesthetic treatments, it is essential to determine whether you are a suitable candidate before booking your procedure. Typically, Botox for migraines is recommended for individuals who experience severe headaches frequently (15 or more days per month, with each episode lasting 4 hours or more) and have not found relief from other migraine medications.

Your doctor or nurse prescriber will ask you questions about your medical history during a pre-treatment consultation. Our team of experienced professionals sympathise with the impact migraines can have on your life. We’re here to provide compassionate care and personalised treatment options to help you reclaim control over your well-being, but only after assessing your suitability for treatment.

Tell your practitioner if you:

Have a history of allergic reactions to Botox or any of its ingredients.
Have fainted after having an injection in the past.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Suffer from diseases affecting your nervous system.
Are due to have an operation soon.
Are taking blood thinning medication.
Having Botox injections will typically only reduce the number of headache episodes by 2 per month, however it is commonly said that sufferers are more able to complete their tasks of daily living whilst having a migraine post treatment.

How Quickly Does The Treatment Take Effect?
After receiving Botox for migraines, patients typically start experiencing relief within a week to 10 days, however, the full effect of the treatment may take up to 2 weeks to become noticeable. The benefits typically last for around 3 months and repeat procedures are required to maintain pain relief. While Botox is generally well-tolerated, some common side effects include temporary bruising, swelling or tenderness at the injection site. Be sure to read our previous blog on ways to avoid post-treatment bruising!