Botox is well-known in Hollywood, where many stars have undergone this age-reversing procedure that changed the standards of aging gracefully – many superstars who are in their 50s and 60s still look way younger than most people their age because of Botox. However, it’s more than just a cosmetic treatment done on celebrities’ faces – it’s also an effective treatment against cluster headaches, involuntary muscle contractions, and treatment for chronic migraines. Many people with chronic medical ailments have found relief with Botox.
But how does one know if they’re eligible for Botox for migraines? You’re a viable candidate for Botox if you’re 18 or above and if your migraines persist for more than 15 days. Without any withstanding medical conditions, the application requirements for Botox procedures are little to none, serving as an excellent treatment option for most migraine sufferers.
Candidacy for Botox for Migraines
Botox is used by a wide range of people. Botox has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of persistent migraine in people 18 and above. As such, Botox therapy for children and teenagers is considered “off-label.”
A doctor can prescribe it, but insurance companies may not cover the cost. So as long as you’re 18 and above and suffer from migraines, you can give Botox a try to alleviate your migraine pain.
What Types of Headaches Does Botox Work Best For?
Botox is exclusively authorized by the FDA for persistent migraines, defined as 15 or more days of headache per month, the more frequent the migraines, the better the patient responds to Botox. Botox isn’t advised for people who have less than 15 headache days per month.
How Does Botox Work for Migraines?
Shots of Botox were shown to reduce the total number of days persons with chronic migraine headaches or other forms of migraines suffered. They also reported fewer days off work and had more pain-free days each month.
In another research, over half of those who had 2 rounds of Botox injections reported a reduction in the number of headache days they experienced each month. After five rounds of therapy, roughly 70% of the participants were still alive.
Botox is thought to function for migraine headaches because it inhibits chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters that transfer pain sensations. Botox acts as a detour and it prevents the chemicals from reaching your head and neck’s nerve endings.
A neurotoxin produced by the bacterium that causes botulism, Botox is a refined botulinum toxin administered in modest doses in specified places to temporarily suppress muscle contractions for around 3 months.
Botox is injected into the headache pain fibers, and it works by blocking the release of pain signals to the nerve endings and terminals near the injection site. Pain networks in the brain are not activated as a result of this.
Botox works slowly but effectively to prevent migraine headaches before they start. To optimize benefits, multiple sessions are recommended to have a series of injections placed on the target area. Increasing the number of treatment cycles has a growing advantage, and patients stated that 2 Botox treatments cut the number of headache days in half.
What Happens During Treatment?
Expect a 20-minute appointment for your first Botox treatment. A pinprick-sized needle is used by the doctor. Small doses of Botox are injected into the skin’s superficial muscles. A typical therapy involves 31 injections in seven important locations of the head and neck.
The most frequent Botox side effect is a painful neck, which can be alleviated by using an ice pack. Botox’s maximum effectiveness might take up to 6 months to manifest. Meanwhile, there’s no risk of drug interaction if you continue taking your usual prescriptions.
Each treatment costs between $300 and $600 depending on the FDA-recommended dose of 155 units. Botox is covered by most insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid because it is FDA approved for persistent migraines.
Please keep in mind that before your insurance company approves Botox as a therapy for your persistent migraine, you must have tried and failed 2 other preventative therapies. Anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, and blood pressure meds are all common migraine treatments.
Some Side Effects of Botox
People who suffer from severe migraine headaches and use Botox frequently have neck pain and mild headaches. Botox can cause allergic reactions but these are relatively uncommon. Hives, shortness of breath, and swelling in the lower legs are all symptoms of an allergy to Botox. Although there haven’t been any verified cases of Botox spreading to other regions of the body, it’s conceivable and potentially fatal.
Say Goodbye to Migraine with Botox Treatments by Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness
Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness offers cutting-edge cosmetic treatments and non-invasive procedures to residents of New Jersey. We are committed to providing the safest and most effective med spa treatments available, resulting in stunning and long-lasting effects.
All of our cosmetic treatments are performed by board-certified physicians who are highly skilled and experienced, tailoring the right treatment plan to your unique needs. We are dedicated to providing you with only the best treatments and services, so rest assured we can help you with your migraines through our high-quality and extremely safe Botox treatments.
Call us now at (908) 628-1916.
