Science, Success & Controversy
A significant number of people can attest to suffering from a migraine at least once in their lifetime. While some prefer to wish the migraine away, others will take a pain killer and hope for the best. One option for managing migraine pain is Zavzpret, a nasal spray that works within two hours. It's a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist nasal spray that can be used for migraines with or without aura. If you're interested in this option, speak to your doctor.
However, sometimes a migraine needs more than just a pill or a wish. Botox for migraines may be an option for you. How long does Botox work for? This piece aims at addressing all these questions.
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What is Botox?
Botox is a toxin that is naturally made by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. It is frequently used in its diluted form as an anti-aging solution. Most doctors use it to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, although it can also be used to treat headaches.
How Long Does Botox Last?
You are a suitable candidate for Botox migraine relief if:
- You have a long history of migraines.
- You complain of tension headaches at least 15 or more days in a month.
- You have not been responsive to any preventative drug treatments administered before.
Botox injections fade over time after initial treatments. For most patients, the injection’s effects may start to diminish after three to six months. After its reduced effects, you may begin to feel the migraines gradually return to how they felt before.
Does Botox for Migraines Work?
Using Botox for migraines was not discovered until patients who took the injections for anti-aging purposes became responsive to the treatment. They reported a reduction in headaches, and with that, treatment for migraines was born.
Many patients looking to treat their migraines with Botox might be concerned and wonder if it really works. While everyone is different, many people have responded positively to this method. It's also been approved by the FDA as a safe treatment method, and Botox injections can only be administered by a certified practitioner.
In most cases, you may need 30 to 40 Botox units for migraine treatments injected on each side of your head. The procedure does not guarantee immediate results and it might take you up to 14 days to see results. Experts recommend that you seek Botox for migraines from a doctor with the specialty in treating migraines rather than a cosmetic specialist.
Is Botox Safe?
According to studies, people who have treated their migraines with Botox often complain of some mild reactions. These Botox side effects can include:
- Headaches.
- Neck pain.
- Muscular weakness.
- Drooping eyelids.
- Muscular stiffness.
Neck pain is the most common Botox side effect, but it should go away with time.
Although infrequent, some patients have allergic reactions to Botox injections. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may manifest in the following ways: shortness of breath, itching on the injection site and/or swelling in the lower legs.
Depending on your body’s reaction to the treatment, your doctor may reduce or increase the number of Botox units for migraines.
Botox vs. Fillers
The difference between these two terms can be quite confusing. Both treatments are used for cosmetic purposes. While fillers are used to magnify the fullness of certain facial parts, such as the cheeks and lips, Botox reduces fines lines and wrinkles by restricting movement in targeted muscles. The difference largely revolves around their cosmetics uses. Nonetheless, this piece has dug deeper into alternative uses for Botox in the medical field. Unfortunately, people report that Botox does the opposite of relieve their symptoms — it actually gives them headaches.
How Much Does It Cost?
While some find this treatment method effective, others also find it to be pricey. For 155 units of Botox you are looking at spending anywhere between $300 to $600. If you have health benefits or health insurance, make sure to check your plans to see if you can get a cost reduction. Secondly, you have to take into consideration the above side effects we have mentioned. While the chances are not large, they can still happen to you.
What are the Pros and Cons?
Like anything in life, there are positives and negatives. First, let's start with the deficits. If you choose Botox as a treatment option this means you are making the commitment to have 31 injections done every 12 weeks. This is quite a lot of treatment sessions in a short amount of time, so be prepared.
So, what are the pros? One of the biggest pluses of getting injections is that you do not have to keep popping pills, whether it be over-the-counter medicine or prescription. Someone these medications can have their own side effects, and they can be harsh on your stomach.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you have chronic migraines, you may want relief now, but be sure to talk to your doctor before using Botox. They can help you establish a safe treatment plan. They can also help monitor your condition in case you experience side effects.
Botox Injections for Migraines
Botox as a treatment for migraines is equally as effective as when it is used for cosmetic uses. Most patients today have accepted treatment as a solution for both their wrinkles and their migraines.