While you may be used to hearing about Botox for cosmetic reasons, the procedure can have health benefits, too. If you suffer from migraines, Botox treatments may offer relief. Here’s what to know about using Botox to treat migraines.
Botox for Migraines: Who Should Try It?
Botox is a neurotoxin, which is derived from a naturally occurring bacteria of the botulism strain. While that sounds dangerous, the bacteria is purified in the derivation process, so the actual Botox that’s injected is quite safe.
The FDA first approved Botox for use in chronic migraine treatment in 2010, and since then many patients have reported success. Chronic migraines are defined as migraines for 15 or more days a month.
If you suffer from frequent migraines, then you may want to give injections of Botox a try. The injection does not work for all headache sufferers, but the more treatments you receive, the greater the likelihood of Botox reducing migraines.
Because the FDA has approved this procedure for chronic migraine treatment, adults who qualify can get their Botox injections covered by health insurance. That’s beneficial, because Botox can cost up to $600 per injection when not covered by insurance. If you would like to treat a minor for headaches, or if you would like to try Botox for migraine relief but don’t experience frequent headaches, then you’ll need to pay out of pocket for the treatment.
Botox for Migraines: How Does it Work?
When injecting Botox for cosmetic reasons, our dentists will concentrate on areas such as the forehead, where wrinkles show. With Botox for health reasons, we concentrate instead on specific muscle fibers where migraine pain arises. Every injection reduces the severity of symptoms for up to three months by preventing pain networks in the brain from activating. In other words, the brain never receives the headache trigger, so the migraine is never experienced.
Of course, if you get Botox for headache relief, you’ll also enjoy a smooth facial appearance with reduced fine lines and wrinkles. You can feel good while looking good, too!
If you’ve never had Botox before, you might wonder what to expect. Injections take around 20 minutes, as we inject Botox into muscles in the face and neck. The needle used is very small, and the sensation is similar to what you might feel in an acupuncture appointment.
Most people feel only slight discomfort during injections, with a sore neck after the procedure being the most common side effect. The effect of Botox is cumulative, with most people experiencing the maximum benefits within six months of the first treatment.
Dr. Scott Weninger has been providing Botox for several years and is happy to offer Botox injections for migraines sufferers. Dr. Weninger has an advanced understanding of the facial muscles, which helps him provide accurate injections of Botox. To learn more about Botox injections, whether for personal or health reasons, give our Tampa dentist a call or reserve an appointment online.