Botox® in Greater Boston
If you’re limited by chronic migraine pain, you may be a great candidate for treatment with Botox® injections. At Boston Advanced Medicine, the experienced pain management specialists offer this innovative, minimally invasive treatment to alleviate chronic migraine pain and reduce its frequency. Find out more about the benefits of Botox treatments for chronic migraines by calling our office today.
Botox Q & A
What is Botox?
Botox is an injectable prescription medication made of botulinum toxin, the same toxin responsible for botulism, a serious type of food poisoning. While known as a popular cosmetic treatment for reducing crow’s feet and wrinkles, Botox is also a safe and effective treatment option for pain associated with chronic migraines.
Botox affects nerve endings where it is used, stopping chemical releases that lead to pain transmission and alleviating the intensity and duration of chronic migraines. Injections can also reduce your risk of developing frequent migraines.
What is a chronic migraine?
A chronic migraine is a painful, intense headache that occurs 15 or more days a month for at least three months. Pain is often severe, and you may experience a throbbing or pulsing sensation on one or both sides of your head.
Many people with migraines also experience an increased sensitivity to light, sound, and touch. The severity of the migraine often makes it difficult to get out of bed or function well at home or work.
What causes migraines?
Migraine headaches may relate to an imbalance in brain chemicals that regulate pain in your nervous system or due to hormonal changes that occur with age.
For some people, certain triggers may increase the risks for developing a migraine, such as:
- Stress
- Certain foods
- Sleep disorders
- Physical exertion
- Strong smells or bright lights
You may be at increased risk for migraines as you age or if you have a family history of your condition.
What can I expect during a Botox session for chronic migraines?
To determine if Botox is the right treatment option for you, your Boston Advanced Medicine provider reviews your medical history, as well as the severity and frequency of your migraines.
During a Botox procedure, your provider can use a numbing cream on the injection sites to keep you comfortable. Using a small needle, your Boston Advanced Medicine professional injects a custom dosage of Botox into the muscles around your forehead and neck.
Following your initial Botox treatment, it may take up to 14 days for you to experience relief of migraine pain. To help reduce the frequency and intensity of future migraines, your provider may recommend additional Botox injections every three months.
To learn more about custom Botox treatment plans for chronic migraines, schedule a consultation today with our office.
