Following many research studies, the FDA has given the green light for Botox as a solution to treat chronic migraines

Gone are the days when Botox was simply the miracle cure to hide the effects of ageing. Amidst its massive popularity the world over for the lease of new life it has given millions, following extensive research, it has been proven that Botox can also be used to combat chronic migraine. The green light to use Botox for Migraines comes after more than a decade of anticipation.

The important thing to be noted here is that there are no reports of Botox working for any other types of headaches. "Migraine" is a term used loosely these days and usually used synonymously with the typical headache. This misconception cannot be further from the truth. Migraines are far more severe than the usual headaches and cause many problems to patients in terms of mounting medical bills and lost wages. Even regular occurrences such as driving, rain, lights and stress can trigger migraines with some patients suffering with excruciating pain for around 20 hours a day.

Estimates suggest that around 2% of the population, that’s a staggering 700,000 people, suffer from chronic migraines. Let’s look at how Botox can help these people.

How does Botox help?

Many patients have turned to Botox after trying many different types of medication including acupuncture. Botox injections have been shown to be effective in preventing the debilitating headaches, intense pulsing, and throbbing pain of migraines. It acts by hampering the nerve signals to certain muscles or glands. Quite a few patients have reported experiencing a drop in the number of days they suffer from migraines in a given month.

Treatment

Botox, to treat migraine, is administered at regular intervals of about 12 weeks. The treatment generally involves administering about 30 injections into the forehead, temple and back of the neck. Depending on the severity of the migraine, patients can experience relief within 48 hours to about 6 days from the time of the Botox for Migraine Treatment.

Although, minor neck pain may be a side effect, as warned by Doctors, they also believe that Botox may be a safer option for patients as against over use of pain medication.

Who can get Botox for Migraines?

Botox for Migraines, are recommended only for patients who have been suffering from migraines for more than 15 days per month and for more than 4 hours per day. Also patients ought to have had these symptoms for more than 3 months, to expect results.

And there’s further good news to all. Wendy Thomas, Chief Executive of the Migraine Trust, had the following to say:

"The Migraine Trust strongly feels that all licensed treatments, including Botox, should be made available to those who benefit most from it. Such treatment should be funded on the NHS."