Migraine Treatment

Headaches are a universal experience. At present, there are more than 100 different types of headache and one of the most recurring ones is the Migraine, which affects approximately 10-12% of the population, being three times more common in women than in men. Migraines are most common between the ages of 25 to 55. About 90 % of sufferers have a genetic history of migraines.
A migraine headache is usually an intense, throbbing pain on one, or sometimes, both sides of the head. They can last from four hours to three days, and sometimes longer. Migraines are the 3rd most prevalent illness in this world.

 

Signs of Migraines include:

• Moderate to severe pain (often represented by pounding, throbbing pain) which may have an effect on the entire head, or can shift from one side of the head to the other

• Blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light, noise or odours

• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, or abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue

Migraine treatment is generally pain management in the form of strong painkillers. But there is another option: BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A), which is a highly purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species. BOTOX® is popularly used to minimise the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, but it is also used for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches, Bruxism and for the treatment of excess sweating in the armpits, scalp and palms. It’s used mainly for those who have headaches more than 15 days a month.

 

Who is a Candidate for Botox® injectables for Migraine treatment?

1. Botox® is FDA-approved for ‘chronic migraines’, which means 15 or more days a month.
2. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding might are not suitable for this treatment.
3. If you have a neurological disease, for example, Bell’s palsy (a neuropathy) or Myasthenia Gravis, the risks of Botox® are increased.

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Risk and complications

Botox® injections are relatively safe when performed by a certified and experienced doctor. Possible temporary side effects and complications include:

• Muscle weakness near where the medicine was injected

• Trouble in swallowing for a few months after treatment

• Slight muscle stiffness, neck pain, pain in your arms or legs

• Puffy eyelids, dry eyes, drooping eyebrows

• Dry mouth

• FatigueHeadache, tiredness

 

Results

It can take up to 2 weeks or more after the initial treatment to notice improvement depending on the severity of migraines. Results will last for around 3 months or so, or sometimes longer, and patients report that two Botox® treatments reduce the number of headache days by approximately 50%. Most people receive Botox® treatments every 3-4 months for a year or more until their migraine symptoms ease out.