Botox for Chronic Migraines

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

Botulinum toxin, otherwise known as BOTOX, is an FDA approved toxin that enters nerve endings at the injection site and blocks the release of chemicals that cause pain transmission to prevent migraine pain. Botulinum toxin is a preventive treatment used in adults who have 15 or more episodic migraine attacks per month, lasting 4 or more hours per day.

What are Chronic Migraines?

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 treat migraine pain with headache medicine prior to the expected development of the symptoms listed above.

How is BOTOX therapy for migraines administered?

Botulinum toxin is injected by needle into several head and neck muscles that may be causing or contributing to your headaches. The radiologist determines how many injections and treatment cycles are required to treat your specific condition.

How often do I have to get BOTOX injections?

It is recommended that you get your BOTOX shots every 12 weeks. You may continue BOTOX treatment for migraines, if deemed effective, after discussing with your practitioner.

Can I receive BOTOX for migraine headaches 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 healthcare professional of your BOTOX injections for migraines.