Botox for Migraines

Botox for Treatment of Migraines

Botox, an injection known widely as a wrinkle fighter and as a substance that could keep your skin straight and young, has now gained an important reputation in the treatment of migraines. It has been tested, proved and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be a treatment for chronic migraines. Botox from Allergan Inc, the company that specializes in healthcare and pharmaceuticals has had to face allegations of it utilizing the product to treat headaches for a number of years, albeit illegally. However, in October 2010, after a $600million amount had been settled for the allegations, FDA approved the product to be used effectively for migraines.
 

What Is Botox?

Botox also known as botulinum toxin A was initially discovered by Jean and Alastair Carruthers for the treatment of wrinkles and also for keeping the skin straight and young. However, the origin of botulinum toxin is in the form of a bacteria produced toxin that can be fatal if taken in large doses. It is often found in raw meat and can cause harm to a human body, if the meat is not handled or cooked well. Botox is a manufactured and refined form of botulinum toxin and should not be confused with the bacteria. Recently, the product has gained attention not just because of its wrinkle straightening properties, but also because of its effectiveness in curing severe migraines. Patients, who had migraines, reported their migraines to have disappeared after they had shots of Botox for keeping away wrinkles.
 

How Does Botox Treat Migraine?

When Botox is injected, it stops the muscles from contracting and prevents the release of a particular chemical known as “acetylcholine” which is a signal that the brain sends to the muscles to contract. Botox prevents the muscle from receiving the signals and they end up being relaxed and does not send out any signal of pain. You may have to have a series of injections/shots (it is said to be 31 shots) for various parts of the head such as the temple area, backside, neck and even the shoulders.

Typical Areas of Injection

Botox treatment is expensive, and patients may have to get injected once after every three to six months or so. The total cost for every visit can vary and may not be covered by insurance. To avoid this, Botox can be used to pin point trigger areas and then a surgical process can be followed to eliminate muscles that causes the headaches. This can relieve the patient from having to go back to Botox every now and then. Being dependent on Botox is not a good idea, as too much of everything is definitely bad. Since it is a sensitive product, it should be used with care and precaution.

You should not try Botox injections for pain relief without the consultancy of an expert. Medical treatments should be completely exhausted before you opt for Botox, as though it provides instant relief, it does not guarantee a long term healing for a severe problem as migraine. Research is still going on in this area, and it is found that Botox can treat some forms of headaches/migraines well, while for others it may not work so effectively. Every person suffers differently and the treatment that works for one may not work for another.