12 Mar

How Botox Can Help Migraines

When people need a quick and minimally invasive solution to defy the negative signs of ageing, they turn to Botox for help.

Botox is a form of injectable that is primarily used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Additionally, they are also known to be great for treating a number of medical conditions, such as neck spasms, excessive sweating, hyperactive bladders, and lazy eyes. This process works by temporarily paralyzing the underlying muscles, so they stop reacting to nerve impulses. When the muscles stop contracting, wrinkles disappear.

However, did you know that Botox can also work wonders when it comes to migraines? 

If you have been suffering from chronic migraines and need relief right now, you better read on, because Botox may be the answer you’re looking for.

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are typically moderate or severe headaches that feel like a throbbing pain on one side of the head. This condition is often associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and general feelings of unwellness. Migraines may be common, but that doesn’t make them any less painless and irritating, as they could totally disrupt your schedule while making you feel terrible. In fact, this health condition affects around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men.

There are many elements that could be the root cause of migraines, but they are most commonly triggered by hormonal changes, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, weather changes, physical factors, certain medication, and changes in sleep patterns. 

Whatever the cause of your chronic migraines may be, Botox can help you cut ties with this inconvenience.

Botox For Migraines

While Botox is widely used for aesthetic improvements, it has been proven to be a great alternative for treating migraines as well. Experts believe that Botox cures migraine headaches because it blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from the brain. Instead of allowing the pain signal to reach the nerve ending, Botox serves as somewhat of a roadblock that stops it in its tracks. 

The treatment works by injecting the affected area (head and neck) once every 12 weeks in order to dull or prevent the onset of migraines. While it will vary on your specific case, most patients need a total of around 30 to 40 injections to fully treat this ailment. Typically, results will be experienced within 2 to 3 weeks after your first Botox session.    

It is important to note that you should only get this treatment from a specialist who is trained to administer these specific kinds of injections, as the process is different from their cosmetic counterparts.

What To Expect From Getting Botox For Migraines

Botox injections are relatively painless. The most discomfort you may experience is a slight burning or stinging sensation with each injection. Each treatment lasts 10 to 15 minutes, as your doctor will inject multiple doses according to your specific needs. 

Once you finish with the procedure, you can go about your day without issues or disruptions.

Who Qualifies For Botox As A Cure For Migraines?

Your doctor will prescribe other types of medications before they advise that you resort to Botox for migraines. 

Not everyone is a candidate to receive Botox treatments to cure their migraines, but if you fit the following criteria for chronic migraines, Botox might be perfect for you:

• You experience headaches for more than 15 days per month, wherein at least 8 days involve migraines that last at least 4 hours each. 
• You have been struggling with severe constant migraines for at least 3 months. 
• You are at least 18 years old.

The Possible Side Effects of Botox

Complications and adverse side effects from Botox treatments happen only once in a blue moon, but in the event that they do occur, they include the following: 

• Neck pain and stiffness on the injection sites. 
• Headaches right after the treatment.
• Temporary muscle weakness in the neck and shoulders, that may make it difficult to keep your head upright.

When these side effects occur, they usually subside on their own within a few days. 

In rare cases, Botox could spread to areas beyond the treatment site. If this happens, patients may experience the following side effects:

• Muscle weakness
• Vision changes
• Sharply raised eyebrows 
• Drooping eyelids
• Difficulty swallowing

In order to minimize the risk of developing serious side effects and complications, it is strongly advised that patients seek the expertise and services of a healthcare professional who is trained to administer Botox for chronic migraines.

Botox By The Professionals

Whether you plan on getting Botox for migraines or Botox to boost your aesthetic vision, the first step always needs to be a consultation with a professional. Book your virtual consultation with Harmony MedSpa today to learn more about our safe and high-quality services! If you’ve already met with a Harmony MedSpa professional and are ready to book your Botox treatment, you can do so through our secure online portal! You’re just a few clicks away from the results you’ve been looking for.