Botox for Chronic Migraines

BOTOX is a purified neurotoxin complex protein produced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

BOTOX is used in adults who have 15 or more migraine headaches per month lasting 4 or more hours per day.

What is Chronic Migraine?

Chronic Migraine is defined as:

• 15 or more headache days per month over 3 months, with 8 headache days meeting criteria for migraine with or without aura.
• To meet criteria for migraine, the patient experiences two of the following symptoms:
  • Headache on one side of the head only
  • Headache throbs or pulses
  • Headache is moderate to severe in pain intensity
  • Headache is aggravated by, or causes avoidance of, physical activity and is accompanied by either nausea and/or vomiting or sensitivity to light or sound.
  • Additionally, the migraine sufferer will have treated their headache with migraine medication prior to the expected development of the symptoms listed above.

How is BOTOX administered?

BOTOX is injected by needle into several head and neck muscles that may be causing or contributing to your headaches. The radiologist determines the number of injections and the sites required to treat your specific condition.

How often do I have to get BOTOX injections?

It is recommended that you get your BOTOX injections every 12 weeks. You may continue this therapy, if deemed effective, after discussing with your practitioner.

Can I be treated with BOTOX for chronic migraine if I am receiving BOTOX treatment for another condition?

Your practitioner will decide whether or not you are eligible for treatment if you are already receiving BOTOX for other conditions. It is very important that you inform your practitioner.