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    Botox Migraines Results

    3-6 months

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    Procedure Time

    10-25 mins

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    Risk & Complications

    Allergic reactions

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    Full Recovery

    1 week

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    After Treatment

Botox for Migraines & Headaches 

CosmeDocs has been utilizing Botox to achieve aesthetic balance and symmetry for a decade. Although this treatment was initially designed for wrinkle treatment, it was accidentally discovered to be effective in treating migraines.

Understanding Migraines

Migraines are not just ordinary headaches. As, they are complex neurological events characterized by intense, debilitating headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Whereas, people with chronic migraines experience 15 or more headache days per month, with migraines occurring on at least eight days.

difference migraine and tension headache

Triggers for Migraines

It is important to understand that migraines can have various causes. Some of the factors are:

  • Fatigue
  • Stress and bright sunlight
  • Changes in sleep patterns or diet
  • Hormones
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Strong odours
  • Nitrates in certain foods or alcohol

Botox as a Treatment for Chronic Migraines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox for chronic migraines in 2010. This treatment is designed for patients with migraines most days of the month. However, Botox is not intended for use in people who have migraines less frequently.

How Does Botox Work for Migraines?

Botox works by blocking the release of specific chemicals involved in transmitting pain. Hence, when Botox is injected into the muscles of the forehead, neck, and shoulders, it enters the nerve endings in the injected area. There, it blocks the release of neurotransmitters that transmit pain signals to the brain.

By preventing these chemicals from being released, Botox effectively stops the pain network before it can generate the sensation of pain associated with a migraine.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, when botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles of the face, neck, and head, the medication relaxes them.

Botox for migraine affects the nerves by blocking the neurotransmission or pain signals between the brain and nerves triggering symptoms of migraine

Botox for Migraine: A Multi-Session Treatment

The treatment involves multiple injections of Botox around the head and neck, which are typically repeated every 4-5 months.

However, the exact pattern and number of injections may vary based on the individual’s specific symptoms and response to the treatment.

Lastly, each session usually takes about 15 minutes, and the injections are relatively painless.

botox migraine injection sites illustration

Botox For Migraine Price

The required dosage determines the cost of Botox for migraines. However, the price typically ranges from £400-£550.

Client Reviews

propotion of migraines

Botox for Migraine — What to Expect?

After a detailed consultation with a headache specialist at CosmeDocs for your migraine headaches, begin your migraine treatment. So, the doctor uses a very fine needle to inject botulinum toxin into the target muscles under your skin in multiple “trigger points” such as:

  • Face
  • Forehead
  • Temples
  • Neck
  • Back of the head

Lastly, following the botox treatment you may continue normal daily activities.

Different Types of Headaches / Migraine

Aura Migraine or Complicated Migraine

During a migraine, sensory and visual problems can occur, known as aura. These problems include

  • difficulty speaking
  • seeing black spots and zigzags
  • experiencing tingling numbness on one side of the body.

Lastly, Aura typically starts right before or during a migraine and lasts10 to 30 minutes.

Aura-free Migraine or Common Migraine

Pulsating pain on one side of the head characterizes a headache without an aura. Moreover, most patients have reported exhibiting symptoms such as:

  • Firstly, sensitivity to light
  • Secondly, sound sensitivity
  • Thirdly, pain that becomes worse with strenuous activity
  • Lastly, vomiting or nauseous feeling

Chronic Migraine

If you have a headache for more than 15 days in a row over several weeks, it may indicate chronic migraine. Although the intensity of the headache and symptoms may vary, however, chronic migraines usually follow a pattern.

migraine sign and symptom

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches cause excruciating burning and pounding pain

  • Firstly, on the sides of the head
  • Secondly, above the eyes
  • Lastly, behind the ears

making them one of the most painful types of headaches.

Moreover, people who suffer from cluster headaches may also experience a runny nose and red or puffy eyes in addition to the headache.

Botox for Migraines

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Botox shots are typically needed to treat chronic migraine headaches?

There are up to 31 possible injection sites in the upper face, temples, neck, and shoulders. The clinician’s experience is crucial in determining which trigger points to include, thereby reducing the dose and cost.

So, Botox works to prevent headaches and chronic migraines with different doses depending on whether the individual is experiencing an on or off phase.

Why visit a cosmetic doctor for migraines?

Cosmetic doctors have long used Botox for medical conditions such as bruxism (teeth clenching) and excessive sweating.

CosmeDocs offers Botox injections for migraines with extensive experience. We welcome patients and provide the best care at lower costs. However, we advise consulting with physicians before choosing Botox.

Lastly, are you a medical practitioner interested in learning how to perform Botox treatments for migraines? Click Here

Does Botox injection cause pain or discomfort?

Botox is an FDA-approved and safe injectable treatment for migraines.

Patients reported minimal to no discomfort during the session. Any bruising, swelling, or muscle weakness experienced is usually temporary.

Lastly, as a side effect, it also treats forehead wrinkles. Follow the doctor’s aftercare advice to maximize the benefits of your therapy.

How does Botox help migraines?

Most patients receiving Botox injections for migraines reported a significant reduction in the frequency of headaches and migraines.

However, patients may not experience immediate relief of headache and migraine pain after the first Botox injection.

So, additional treatment cycles are typically necessary to prevent the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Additionally, many patients have reported improvement in their shoulder or neck pain.

Where are Botox injections injected to treat chronic migraine?

Generally, small quantities of botulinum toxin are injected into seven specific areas including forehead, temples, neck, nasal bridge, head’s back, upper shoulders and back, according to the migraine symptoms.

Are there any side effects of Botox for migraines?

After receiving Botox, it causes minimal to no pain for most people. Moreover, medical experts consider it a safe treatment. However, your Botox for migraine treatment may have some slight side effects, such as:

  • Bruising, redness, or swelling around the injection sites
  • Dryness in mouth
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Temporary Muscle weakness
  • Tension or stiffness in the neck.

How long does Botox for migraines take to start working?

Injections of Botox work from several days to two weeks however, chronic migraines do take longer to subside. While some patients do not start to see an improvement until after their second treatment 3-4 months later.

How much does treatment for migraines with botox cost?

In London & UK botox treatment for migraines will cost from £300-£550 depending on the dose and areas required. Most physicians start with a lower dose and increase as required to see the minimum required dose is.

Who Makes A Good Candidate For Botox Headache/Migraine Treatment?

If you are someone who frequently experiences severe migraine headaches, your healthcare provider may recommend Botox injections. However, they will only administer Botox if you have 14 or fewer headache days each month.

Lastly, consulting with our Botox experts can determine if Botox injections are suitable for chronic headaches.

How Often Do I Need To Receive Botox Treatment For Migraines?

Generally, the Botox treatment is repeated after every 4-6 months for effective results against spells of chronic migraine.

Why CosmeDocs?

CosmeDocs is a renowned name in the industry of cosmetics. Our clinics located in Harley Street (London), Derby, Nottingham, and Portsmouth are well equipped and modern practices. CosmeDocs are also well-known trainers to physicians from around the globe.

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