Does Botox Help with Migraines?
You may be aware of the cosmetic uses of migraines, but did you know that Botox can also help treat chronic migraines? If you suffer from chronic migraines, more than 15 days out of the month, you could see a difference with Botox and potentially claim it on your insurance. Not only can Botox help migraines, but it’s also used to treat a variety of other medical conditions. If you’re looking for Botox for migraines in Livermore, Sculpt MD can help
What is Botox?
Botox is Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein produced by bacteria. The protein is destructive to nerve tissue, which is why Botox is known to block nerve activity in the muscle to temporarily reduce muscle activity. Typically, in one Botox treatment, it can inhibit that activity for about 3-4 months at a time.
Botox blocks certain chemical signals, mostly those that are responsible for muscle contraction. That’s why in cosmetic uses, people get Botox to treat wrinkles and fine lines. It inhibits those muscles from the constant overuse that leads to the wrinkles It keeps them from getting worse. While you may have heard of all the cosmetic uses already, Botox also has many great uses in the medical field.
Medical Uses of Botox
Since the 1970s, Botox has been used for a variety of medical conditions – at least 20. Botox has been used to treat:
- Cervical dystonia – severe neck muscle spasms
- Blepharospasm – uncontrollable eye twitch or muscle spasm
- Severe and excessive underarm sweating
- Eye alignment/fixing “cross eyes”
- Bruxish/teeth grinding
- Overactive bladder
- Chronic migraine
And, there are many more beyond that.
Botox for Migraines in Livermore
The discovery of Botox being used to help treat chronic migraines was accidentally discovered when patients who had been using Botox for other uses reported an improvement in migraines. The FDA approved the use of Botox for migraines in 2010 when Allergan – the company that owns Botox and other cosmetic treatments – was able to present sufficient evidence to the FDA.
Why Botox helps migraines is still a mystery, but there are plenty of theories that can help explain. When muscles contract, the nerve releases a chemical messenger known as an acetylcholine. An acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that sends signals from one neuron to another.
The acetylcholine attaches to cells in the muscle, causing them to contract. But, Botox blocks that message, therefore blocking the acetylcholine, and inhibiting the contraction of the muscle. It is believed that Botox releases muscles that may be sensitive to pain, and may even help block signals to the brain.
What to Expect with Botox for Migraines in Livermore
When getting Botox for migraines in Livermore with Sculpt MD, we follow a specific protocol that is required to administer Botox injections. There are strict instructions to where the doctor must insert the needle to inject the Botox. Sculpt MD can assure you that our staff are trained professionals who are experienced in Botox and highly educated.
Each injection may take about 15 minutes each and feel like a small prick or slightly like a bee sting. The most common symptoms or side effects that you may experience after your injection and treatment are slight neck pain and headache.
Some people only need one treatment before they start noticing a change, while others may need three or more treatments. When using Botox to treat chronic migraines, you will see a significant reduction in the frequency of your migraines and/or a reduction in the severity and duration of the migraines.
5 Things to Know About Botox for Migraines in Livermore
- It prevents headaches and migraines before they start. When receiving Botox injections for migraines, it can prevent about 8 to 9 headache days and migraine or possible migraine days per month.
- It’s given every 12 weeks. As mentioned above, while some may only need one treatment, it’s best to receive 2 treatments with two weeks apart to determine if Botox will work for you as a future, continuous treatment. If you don’t receive the treatment every 12 weeks, you may not feel the full benefit of Botox for migraines.
- It’s a small needle. People compare the needle sensation like tiny little pinpricks on your skin.
- It’s injected by a specialist. At Sculpt MD, we can assure you we have qualified specialists who are trained in treating patients with Botox.
- It takes about 15 minutes. The injections can each take about 15 minutes and are completed at Sculpt MD in Livermore.
Botox for Migraines in Livermore with Sculpt MD
Sculpt MD wants to help you treat your chronic migraines and get back to living your life again. If you suffer from 15 or more episodes a month, you may be able to use Botox to help treat your migraines. If you see a specialist, consult with your physician and discuss if Botox is the right option for you. If you choose to go the route of Botox for treating your migraines, consult with our Sculpt MD doctor to further your evaluation and to schedule your first appointment.
