Can Botox Help My Headaches?
For many migraine sufferers, like Emily Johnston, certified physician assistant at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, Texas, the pain can be almost unbearable. They are often described as throbbing, pulsating, splitting pain with an inability to tolerate light or sound and can sometimes be associated with nausea or vomiting. Anyone who has experienced these has probably felt desperate for a way to treat them or, better yet, prevent them!
“Episodic (occasional) migraines are often effectively treated as they come up,” says Johnston, “and patients, with their primary care physician can determine the best course of treatment such as an analgesic or pain medicine.”
However, chronic migraines are a different animal, often requiring prescription medication and numerous trials of different therapies before obtaining any relief. “This could be where your skin specialist can help!” says Emily. “Believe it or not, strategic injections of Botox, the medication we use all the time for cosmetic rejuvenation, can provide relief for patients who suffer from chronic migraines.”
Chronic migraines are defined as headache on ≥15 days per month for at least 3 months with the headaches lasting 4 hours a day or longer. All patients should first see their primary care provider or neurologist to confirm the diagnosis of chronic migraines. The recommended dose for treating chronic migraine is 155 units of Medical Botox®, administered by a neurologist to the forehead, temples, back of the head and neck.
“However not all people will require this much to see benefit,” reports Johnston. “I often find injections of Cosmetic Botox® helps relieve the tension and discomfort that comes with migraine headaches. The effect on wrinkles is just one added bonus!”
Contact Us
If you are interested in receiving Cosmetic Botox® for rejuvenation and to help treat your headaches, you can contact Emily Johnston here.
