If you’ve never experienced a migraine, you might find it difficult to comprehend what a hugely disruptive and debilitating impact migraine attacks can have on someone’s life. Because as chronic migraine sufferers will testify, it’s so much more than “just a headache”. This complex neurological condition can take its toll on a person’s physical and mental health, interfere with their homelife, impede their career, and put a strain on their relationships. And whilst many turn to painkillers or prescription medication to help manage their migraines, these options don’t suit everyone.
Thankfully, there is a safe and effective alternative solution proven to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines. It’s Botox®. Surprised? Trust me, I know from my own personal and professional experience that it really works. Here’s how…
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a severe headache that usually feels like a throbbing pain on one side of the head. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, smell and movement. Some sufferers experience what is known as an ‘aura’ and see flashing lights, feel a numbness or tingling sensation, and may also feel dizzy. In some cases, a migraine attack can also affect the person’s speech.
The intensity and frequency of migraines can vary hugely from person to person. For some, they can last a couple of hours. For others it can be up to three days. When migraines occur 15 or more days a month, they are classified as chronic.
What causes migraines?
It is thought that migraines affect more than 1 billion people across the globe every year (Ref 1), making it the second leading cause of disability in the world (Ref 2). But despite the prevalence of the condition, we sadly still don’t have a definitive answer to the question of what actually causes it. We do know, however, that migraines are the result of abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.
We don’t know what causes this abnormal brain activity, but there is a strong possibility that there is a genetic link. As Professor Peter Goadsby explains, "Migraine is an inherited tendency to have headaches with sensory disturbance. It’s an instability in the way the brain deals with incoming sensory information, and that instability can become influenced by physiological changes like sleep, exercise and hunger" (Ref 3).
Managing migraines
Those who suffer from frequent migraines will start to recognise the prodome symptoms – or signs that an attack is imminent. These symptoms will vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disruption
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination
If you feel a migraine attack coming on, you may find that the following suggestions can help to limit the intensity of the attack:
- Rest in a dark, quiet room
- Apply a cold compress to your forehead or behind your neck
- Gently massage your scalp
- Apply pressure to your temples in a circular motion
Treating the problem
Whilst the actions listed above can help in the short-term, those looking for longer-term relief from migraines are advised to assess their lifestyle habits to identify potential triggers. The following changes can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks:
- Eat more foods rich in magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids such as dark leafy greens, avocado, bananas and fish (Ref 4)
- Eat regularly and don’t skip meals
- Cut down or cut out caffeine
- Exercise more
- Aim for around 8 hours of quality sleep every night
- Take steps to minimise stress, anxiety and depression
When more help is required
If lifestyle changes have been adopted but to no avail, many seeking relief from the debilitating pain of migraines often turn to painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, or request prescriptions for something stronger. However, there are risks associated with the long-term use of painkillers. GPs may also prescribe medication such as triptans – a drug that effectively quietens down overactive pain nerves. However, the side effects of these drugs are quite extensive – the most common being nausea and drowsiness.
So, what’s the alternative?
For migraine sufferers who have already made lifestyle changes and are not comfortable with the option of painkillers or triptans, there is another way, and it might just surprise you – Botox®. Yes, the toxin injection usually associated with smoothing out wrinkles is actually a highly effective treatment for migraines.
How does Botox® treat migraines?
Botulinum toxin type A, more commonly referred to as Botox®, is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily interrupting the transmission of pain signals from the brain to the nerves that connect to muscles around the head. By blocking the release of certain chemicals involved in pain transmission, it stops migraine attacks before they even start.
Botox® treatments for migraines at the DRVICTORIA™ Clinic
Before commencing any treatment, we begin with a full and thorough consultation. During this appointment, we review your medical history and assess your suitability for treatment. The treatment is suitable for:
- Patients who suffer more than 15 severe headaches a month, of which at least 8 are debilitating migraines.
- Patients who have tried other recommended solutions for their migraines without success.
- Patients who are aged 18 or over.
Next, we carry out a full head and neck examination – feeling the forehead, temples, around the head, neck and shoulder for areas of muscle tension and tenderness. By pinpointing your areas of pain and discomfort, we can tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.
What happens during the treatment?
We use a very fine needle to inject the Botox® solution into around 30-39 specific points around your face, head and neck area. These are based on the PREEMPT trails that showed the treatment of these areas to be effective (Ref 6) These injections are superficial and cause only mild discomfort. As with all injections, bruising can occur, but this usually resolves within a few days.
The application of Botox® for migraine is very different to Botox® for lines and wrinkles, and requires a highly experienced, skilled and knowledgeable practitioner specifically trained in the technique. I trained with a neurologist more than 10 years ago, so I have more than a decade of experience in treating migraines and orofacial pain with Botox®. But that’s not the only reason so many migraine sufferers come to me. I have personal experience of the condition, having suffered from debilitating migraine attacks in the past. By combining my professional and personal experience, I am able to provide patients with a safe and effective treatment that I’m confident can make a real difference to their life.
What results can I expect?
One treatment typically takes just 10-15 minutes and it can be repeated once every 12 weeks to alleviate symptoms. The effects are not immediate, however many people start to notice a difference after just a few weeks. After a single treatment, you are likely to see a reduction in the intensity of migraines, but the frequency is unlikely to be significantly reduced. That said, repeat treatment cycles can lead to impressive results. Studies show that 50% of patients who have 2 or more treatment cycles get at least 50% reduction in migraine occurrences. (Ref 7)
The benefits of Botox® for migraine relief
- Reduction in frequency of attacks: The statistics speak for themselves – Botox® has been scientifically proven to reduce the number of migraines a sufferer experiences per month.
- Increased quality of life: By reducing the intensity and frequency of your migraines, Botox® can effectively help you reclaim your life.
- Improved mental health: The pain and disruption of chronic migraines can take their toll on your mental health. By reducing the intensity and frequency of the physical pain, it can have a positive effect on your wellbeing.
- Fewer side effects: Many migraine medications come with side effects, such as dizziness, nausea and brain fog. Botox® offers relief without these specific issues.
- Easier to manage: Prescribed migraine medications often come in the form of a pill to be taken daily. With Botox®, we can perform the treatment and you can get on with your life without the need to remember to take anything.
- Personalised treatment plan: By carrying out an in-depth consultation and examination prior to commencing treatment, we can devise a completely personal treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs, to ensure it is as effective as possible.
- Suitable for combination treatments: Depending on the outcome of your consultation and examination, I may advise combining Botox® with treatments for bruxism and TMJ, for example, to boost the overall effectiveness of your migraine management strategy
Managing expectations
It is important to consider all the pros and cons before commencing any treatment, and Botox® is no different. Whilst it offers the many benefits listed above, it is important to understand that every migraine sufferer is different and therefore Botox® is not a “one size fits all” solution. For example, it does not prevent cluster headaches.
There are also potential side effects to be aware of, such as bruising, neck pain and temporary muscle weakness. And it is crucial that you recognise that Botox® is not a permanent fix – treatment needs to be repeated every 12 weeks to maintain the benefits.
Conclusion: Is Botox® for migraine management right for you?
“Botox® has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of days with headache and to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic migraine” (Ref 5). It is this point about improving the quality of life that makes me so passionate about performing Botox® migraine relief treatments. I have seen and experienced first-hand how migraine attacks can prevent people from going to work, socialising, playing with their children, and enjoying everyday life. And I have seen what a transformative effect Botox® treatments can have.
For further advice on managing migraines, head to The Migraine Trust where you’ll find a range of useful resources and a dedicated support helpline for anyone struggling with the pain and unpredictable disruption of migraines. And when you’re ready to take action, book a consultation with me and let’s have a chat about finally finding relief thanks to Botox®.
Victoria
Author's experience
Since training with a neurologist more than 10 years ago, Dr Victoria has spent the past decade treating migraines and orofacial pain with Botox®. She also has personal experience of the condition, having suffered from debilitating migraine attacks in the past. By combining her professional and personal experience, she is able to provide patients with a safe and effective treatment that she is confident can make a real difference to their life. Botox®.
Reference links
- National Library of Medicine, Migraine: A Review on Its History, Global Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Comorbidities, Amiri, Kazeminasab, Nejadghaderi, Mohammadinasab, Pourfathi, Araj-Khodaei, Sullman, Kolahi, and Safiri, 2022
- National Library of Medicine, Migraine Headache, Ruschel and De Jesus, 2024
- The Migraine Trust, What is a Migraine?
- National Library of Medicine, Dietary magnesium and migraine in adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004, Slavin Li, Khatri Frankenfeld, 2021
- Medicines.Org, BOTOX consolidated PIL UK LL TC Information for the User
- National Library of Medicine, Early onset of effect of onabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraine treatment: Analysis of PREEMPT data Dodick et al, 2019
- Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, Per cent of patients with chronic migraine who responded per onabotulinumtoxinA treatment cycle: PREEMPT, 2014
Resource links
- Botox for Chronic Migraine, Get BOTOX® for Chronic Migraine
- Healthline, Foods and Drinks That May Help Manage Migraine, Ferchak, 2024
- National Headache Foundation: (Video) Heads Up, Botox Treatment for Chronic Migraine, 2020
