Migraine
Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily perceptions, severe headaches and nausea. The typical migraine headache is unilateral and pulsating, lasting from 4 to 72 hours; symptoms increased by sensitivity to light and to sound.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), migraines are extreme headaches that can cause nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Any kind of anxiety, stress, exposure to light, caffeine, alcohol, hunger, or sleeplessness can prompt this type of severe headache.
How does Botox treat Chronic migraine ?
The discovery of Botox for the use of migraines came about accidentally as patients who happened to suffer from migraines noticed that their migraines improved after cosmetic Botox injections to reduce brow and forehead wrinkles.
A possible explanation is that Botox may affect nerve cell signaling systems that have to do with the perception of pain. Treatment of chronic migraines with Botox injections appears to be effective, but the Botox injections do not appear to work for episodic migraines. The effect of the treatment usually lasts between six to nine months.
The Two Types of Treatment Options
There are many ways to manage Chronic Migraine; most medications are either acute or preventive. Headache Specialists often prescribe preventive medications for Chronic Migraine patients; however, a treatment plan may include acute and preventive treatment, so it's important to understand how they work to manage Chronic Migraine.
- Acute medications: Taken when a migraine or headache is starting or has already begun.May stop or reduce pain but does not prevent a headache or migraine.
- Preventive (or prophylactic) medications: Taken to prevent headaches and migraines from occurring.
BOTOX® is a preventive treatment
BOTOX® is the first and only preventive treatment approved by the FDA for adults with Chronic Migraine (15 or more headache days a month, each lasting 4 hours or more). BOTOX® therapy is not approved for adults with migraine who have 14 or fewer headache days a month.
RESULTS With Botox:
BOTOX® is proven to significantly reduce headache days every month.
Not knowing when a headache or migraine will occur can be challenging. While other treatments may help you once you already have a headache, a preventive medication like BOTOX® therapy is approved to help prevent headache days.
BOTOX® therapy is injected by a doctor every 12 weeks. After 2 treatment sessions you may be able to start experiencing fewer headache days too!
