Botox for Migraines

The exact way that BOTOX works to relieve migraines is not yet known. Botulinum toxins are known to have a blocking ability not only at the neuro-muscular junction but at the cellular level as well. When injected directly into overactive muscles, BOTOX inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter released from nerve endings that causes muscles to contract. This blocks the nerves impulses and results in inhibition, or relaxation, of the muscle. It is suggested that BOTOX actually inhibits pain pathways through multiple actions at the neurotransmitter level and pain fiber level.

Dr. Binder injects a series of small injections of BOTOX in specific areas across the frontal, temporal and glabellar regions of the forehead. In some instances, it is also injected into the back of the neck. The injection location and dosing are critical for achieving an effective, long lasting result that is free from undesired side effects. The treatment takes about fifteen minutes, is easily administered during a routine office visit and you can quickly return to work or normal activity.

After injection, it takes 2-3 days for BOTOX to begin taking effect. The effect lasts for 3 months or longer.

The safety profile of BOTOX is considered to be excellent. BOTOX has been used by patients with various conditions for over 20 years in over 60 countries. The most common side effects are localized pain, tenderness or bruising at the site of injection. These side effects are normally local and transient in nature.

The BOTOX formulation does not contain the intact bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. Therefore, use of BOTOX cannot cause botulism. Toxicity from the use of BOTOX is rare due to the minute quantities of botulinum toxin injected for clinical uses. It is estimated that over 3000 units would be required to actually cause illness.

BOTOX cannot be compared to other treatments. In those patients where BOTOX was effective, it eliminated pain and related symptoms of migraine (nausea, vomiting, photophobia, etc) for approximated 3 months. There is no other therapy that has this prophylactic ability. By way of comparison, the widely prescribed triptan class of agents (such as Imitrex®) are commonly used as treatment only during or before an acute onset of migraine and have a duration of action for only hours.

Studies have shown that there are a number of problems and concerns with the use of painkiller medications for treating migraine headaches.  In addition to the dangers of overuse including addiction and side effects, studies have shown that overuse of painkillers for migraines can actually backfire and “rebound” with the pain returning even worse than before.

In a study by Dr. Binder and associates, BOTOX was shown to also benefit chronic daily headaches and tension-type headaches as well. The results, however, were not as consistent as with group of patients diagnosed with true migraine headaches.

Although many physicians and even non-medical personnel can administer BOTOX for any purpose, the effectiveness and results can vary widely.  Although this rule applies to the use of BOTOX for wrinkles, it is even more critical for this newer application of BOTOX for migraines.  Though rare, because of the muscle paralyzing effects of BOTOX, side-effects ranging from the cosmetic (droopy eye lid) to potentially health threatening like paralyzing muscles used to breathe and swallow, are possible.