Botox for Migraines & Headaches(Tension/Cluster)

Types of Migraines & Their Causes

Migraines affect around 25% of women in the UK and 1 in 12 men at some point in their lives, while cluster headaches are less common, affecting maybe 1 in 1,000 people. It’s important to know that there are different types of headaches and migraines, and not all of them can be treated with botox.

Migraine headaches are usually one-sided, the pain settling behind one eye and occurring sporadically or frequently. The attacks may last between 4 and 24 hours, symptoms being the ones mentioned above. This type of migraines can be caused by fatigue, stress and bright sunlight, changes in sleep patterns or diet, hormones, oral contraceptives, strong odours, nitrates in certain foods or alcohol.

Other types of migraines, which are less common, include menstrual migraines, which are associated with periods and manifest through similar symptoms as migraines with aura, abdominal migraines which are more frequent in children, ocular migraines which cause temporary vision loss and hemiplegic migraines which are rare and cause the previously mentioned symptoms, plus weakness on one side of the body.

Commonly patients may present with

• one or more of the 3 trigger points in the forehead, temples or at the back of the head?
• avoiding bright light during an episode

Cluster headaches cause intense pain which is throbbing or constant and associated with a sensation of burning. The pain is located behind one eye or in the eye region and doesn’t change its side. The manifestations can occur several times per day and can disappear for months, returning when one is exposed to the triggers. Cluster headaches are triggered by the same factors as migraines with aura.

What makes Botox efficient in treating Migraines

Botox (Botulinum Toxin type A) is used mostly for aesthetic purposes, for filling up wrinkles and correcting fine lines on the face, but it is also used in ophthalmologic conditions. It is a substance that paralyses the muscles by blocking the release of a certain neurotransmitter. The effects of botox last for about 3-4 months, until the muscle recovers, so this is why the injections have to be repeated several times a year when used for wrinkles and facial lines.

Although it’s not entirely clear how botox reduces the frequency of migraines or the intensity of attacks, it is believed that the relaxing effect this substance has on the overactive muscles it’s the reason botox for migraines prove effective. Botox is also believed to inhibit the release of certain neurotransmitters which are involved in the pain processing systems, and this is why the substance is used in lower back pain, in treating bladder pain, neuropathic pain and Myofascial pain as well.

Several studies were taken on the effects of botox on headaches and migraines, but results showed this substance is only effective in treating and preventing migraine and cluster headaches, but not a good remedy against other types of headaches.

How many injections for migraine treatment with botox?
There are up to 31 possible injection sites in the upper face, temples, neck, and shoulders. Experience of the clinician is important to be able to decide which trigger points need to be included thereby lowering the dose and cost. Chronic migraine is treated with different doses than on and off.

How long does Botox for migraines take to start working?
Botox or Azzalure may start to work from several days to two weeks after however, chronic migraines do take longer to subside. 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.

Botox for Migraines | London | Derby

Why visit a cosmetic doctor for migraines?
Cosmetic doctors have long used botox for medical conditions such as bruxism (teeth clenching) and excessive sweating. Our physicians are experts at injecting botox with good cosmetic results, as the muscles we inject the substance into are also responsible for controlling facial expressions. Also, the costs tend to be less at cosmetic clinics due to their constant use of botox.

CosmeDocs is among the first clinics to offer treatment with botox for migraines in the UK, our team of professionals having vast experience in injecting botox. Patients who have been diagnosed are welcome.

Given that there are other treatments available to people affected by chronic migraines, we recommend our patients to talk to their physicians before making the decision to use botox for headaches or migraines.

Are you a medical practitioner wishing to learn to perform botox for migraine treatment? Click Here