Patients with migraine opt for various treatments including botox injections. As this option is relatively new when compared with other treatment options, patients are sometimes in doubt about the treatment protocols. A common question among patients is where do they inject Botox for migraines? Following subsections offer adequate information about the condition, various treatment options and details about botox as a treatment. This includes the site of administration, dosage and frequency; this will help individuals take informed decisions about botox as a treatment for migraine.
What is migraine?
A type of headache disorder characterized by recurring episodes of moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing pain, migraine typically causes ache on one side of the head. Other symptoms are also experienced by individuals, including sensitivity to light, noise, or smells, nausea and vomiting. In addition to this, patients also experience certain abnormal visual changes – flashing lights or blind spots. Migraines are attributed to one of multiple reasons, including stress, lack of sleep, dietary choices, hormonal changes, and environmental factors. It is to be borne in mind here that the underlying causes of migraines are the subject of research, though it is widely agreed that it is mainly due to a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors.
Migraines are broadly classified into two types – with aura and without aura. An individual diagnosed with migraine with aura will most likely experience visual disturbances, seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots, prior to headache episodes. An individual diagnosed with migraine without aura, also known as a common migraine, will not typically experience any of the above abnormal visual disturbances. Migraines are known to have an impact on the quality of life, and generally, treatment includes a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and other therapies.
Treatment options for migraine
Here is a quick overview of some of the presently available treatment options for migraines.
#1 Lifestyle changes: It is essential to make changes to routine, including adequate sleep, sufficient hydration, managing stress, and dietary restrictions. For instance, certain food products are known to be triggers, and staying away from such identified food products can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
#2 Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Commonly available pain relievers including ibuprofen or aspirin can treat mild to moderate migraines. Additionally, other combination pain relievers comprising caffeine, are also known to be effective.
#3 Prescription medications: Triptans, ergotamine, and dihydroergotamine, are commonly used prescription medications for treating moderate to severe migraines. Apart from the above, certain preventive medications, belonging to the category of beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, are also known to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.
#4 Botox injections: This is considered to also be an effective treatment for reducing the frequency and severity of chronic migraines.
#5 Alternative therapies: In addition to the above, alternative therapies, including acupuncture, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, are also known to be helpful in the management of migraines.
Where do they inject Botox for migraines?
With the basic information in pace, it is time to answer the above question. Botox injections for migraines are typically administered in specific sites around the head and neck. The injections are typically administered in a clinical setting, such as the doctor’s office, and the procedure could last for about 10-15 minutes.
It is necessary to note that the actual injection sites may vary depending on the patient, and the severity/location of migraine. Injection sites that are considered as common include the following:
- Forehead: This targets migraine occurring in the front of the head.
- Temples: This targets migraine occurring on the sides of the head.
- Back of the head: This targets migraine occurring in the back of the head or neck.
- Shoulder and neck muscles: This helps to reduce tension and trigger points that contribute to migraines.
Dosage and frequency of botox for migraines
The dosage and frequency vary depending on the patient, severity and frequency of migraines. The standard dose of Botox for migraine treatment is 155 units administered as 31 injections. These injections are usually given once in 12 weeks.
The treatment may not offer instant relief, and it could take as long as few weeks or months before outcomes are experienced. Nevertheless, the injections are an effective treatment for reducing the frequency and severity of chronic migraines. The effects of the injections are known to last for around three months.
Mechanism of action of botox when treating migraines
The exact mechanism of action of Botox when treating migraines is yet to be fully understood, though it is broadly accepted as involving various factors. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the release of certain neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, from nerve endings. This action of blocking prevents the muscles from contracting excessively, thereby reducing muscle tension, that is identified as one of the factors contributing to migraines.
Additionally, Botox is also known to inhibit the release of pain neurotransmitters, that are known to play a role in the transmission of pain signals to the brain. By inhibiting their release, botox helps reduce the intensity of migraine headaches. Additionally, the injections also reduce inflammation in the tissues around the injection site; and this is considered as an added benefit, as inflammation from injections may also contribute to migraine pain. Overall, the mechanism of action is attributed to a combination of muscle relaxation, pain relief, and reduction of inflammation.
Side effects of botox for migraine
Botox injections for migraines are generally safe and well-tolerated, but the possibility of undesirable outcomes cannot be entirely ruled out. Potential side effects of Botox injections are as listed below.
Headaches are a likely side effect, while some individuals may experience injection site reactions; this includes pain, swelling, redness, and possible bruising. There is the possibility of the injections causing muscle weakness where the injections are administered; this is however temporary in nature and resolves naturally. Pain in the neck is another possible side effect, apart from stiffness in the neck. Patients may experience flu-like symptoms, for instance, fever, chills, and body aches. Other possible reactions include allergies, though this is rare in occurrence. Symptoms of allergies are similar to that of hives, apart from itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face.
Education: Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley; Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Experience: 10 years as a freelance health writer and editor, contributing to blogs and magazines focused on preventive medicine and fitness.
Exclusive 30% OFF for New Customers!
