Botox for the Treatment of Migraines?

Until science manages to create an actual fountain of youth, Botox will remain a popular option for those eager to prevent or treat wrinkles.

In addition to the cosmetic efficacy of Botox, chronic migraine sufferers are discovering the painkilling power of Botox, which was approved by the FDA in 2010. 

What makes Botox so effective in the fight against wrinkles and migraine-related pain? 

A Two-Pronged Preventive Tool

Botox is beloved. 

In fact, the injectable has been embraced by so many people — men and women alike — that more and more dental practitioners offer Botox treatments in their offices. Approximately 30,000 dentists throughout the United States are trained to administer Botox to their patients. 

According to The New York Times, “In 2020, about 811,000 Botox procedures were performed on people in their 30s, which was approximately 18 percent of the national total, according to a recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.”

Enter the chronic migraine sufferer crowd and Botox gets another boost from a completely different audience. 

It’s important to note that Botox is not prescribed for those who report migraines on occasion; chronic migraine sufferers are those who experience migraines 15 or more days in a single month.

Dr. Andrew Blumenfeld, Director of The Headache Center of Southern California explains,

“The more frequent the headaches, the better the patient does with Botox.” 

Why is this? What about Botox makes it a bull’s eye solution for chronic migraines?

WebMD explains that: 

Doctors think Botox works for migraine headaches because it blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain. Botox is like a roadblock in that pathway. It stops the chemicals before they get to the nerve endings around your head and neck.

Basically, Botox blocks nerve signals that transmit pain in the same way it blocks muscular nerve signals responsible for facial expressions (and the wrinkles caused by them). 

While we don’t treat chronic migraines in our office, we do offer Botox to help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as several other injectables that get real results!
Contact us today to schedule your consultation!