Is medical Botox the key to migraine relief?

Illinois and Wisconsin are among the Midwest states whose residents are all too familiar with rapidly changing weather conditions. This can lead to fluctuating barometric pressure which is one of many migraine triggers.  

Migraines are episodes of severe headaches with throbbing pain typically on one side. As a migraine sufferer, you may have tried many types of medications, diet changes or made the switch to fragrance-free products. You may be less familiar with one migraine treatment option, OnabotulinumtoxinA, known as Botox. Botox is often associated with cosmetic treatments, but the injections can also benefit those with chronic migraines. 

“Botox for chronic migraines involves injecting a purified form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum, into seven different muscle groups in the head and neck,” explains Dr. Ashley Holdridge, a neurologist at Aurora Health Care in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. “Botox works by blocking nerve signals to muscles, preventing muscle contraction and pain signals to the brain. Many patients with chronic migraines find this treatment decreases their migraine pain, severity and frequency.” 

Medical Botox is not permanent. You will need injections every 12 weeks and might not experience relief until you receive a few treatments.   

Botox was approved by the FDA in 2010 for treatment of chronic migraines in adults. It involves injecting 155 to 195 units, which is significantly more than typical cosmetic Botox injections, says Dr. Holdridge, who specializes in migraine treatment at Aurora Neurology. She suggests seeking an injector who is well versed in the migraine treatment protocol.  

You may be a candidate for medical Botox if: 

• You are over 18 years old 
• You have chronic migraines, which is defined as 15 or more headache days per month with 8 or more migraines a month that last at least four hours and are consistent for at least 3 months. 
• Other migraine treatments have been unsuccessful 

Discuss with your neurologist whether you may benefit from medical Botox. 

Are you trying to find a doctor? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.