If you have the frequent, severe headache condition known as “chronic migraine,” your doctor may want you to try injections of BOTOX® in your head and neck. The injections can help stop migraines before they start.
What are Botox Injections for Chronic Migraine?
Botox injections for chronic migraine are a preventive treatment that uses botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein, to help reduce the frequency and severity of chronic migraine headaches. Chronic migraine is defined as experiencing 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 of those days meeting the criteria for a migraine headache.
How are Botox Injections for Chronic Migraine Performed?
To administer Botox injections for chronic migraine:
- 1. The injection sites on the head and neck are carefully mapped out based on an established injection pattern.
- 2. A small amount of the Botox solution is injected into the muscles and tissues at each of the designated sites using a very fine needle.
- 3. The injections are relatively painless, and patients typically describe them as feeling like small pinpricks.
- 4. The entire injection procedure takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
What Supplies and Medications are Used for Botox Injections for Chronic Migraine?
The key components for this procedure include:
- – Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) – a purified form of the botulinum toxin type A
- – Sterile saline solution to reconstitute the Botox powder
- – Small syringes and very fine needles for injection
The specific dose and number of injections required may vary based on the individual patient and their specific needs.
What to Expect After Botox Injections for Chronic Migraine?
After receiving Botox injections for chronic migraine, patients may experience some mild, temporary side effects such as slight pain or swelling at the injection sites, headache, or neck pain. These side effects typically resolve within a few days.
It may take several weeks for the full effects of the Botox injections to be realized. Patients may notice a gradual reduction in the frequency and severity of their migraine headaches over the course of several weeks following the injections.
If the Botox injections are effective in reducing the patient’s migraine burden, their healthcare provider may recommend scheduling follow-up injections every 12 weeks to maintain the preventive effects. The duration of benefit can vary from patient to patient.
Patients should follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare team regarding activities, medication use, and monitoring for potential side effects after receiving Botox injections for chronic migraine.