Responsible for unbearable pain, migraines sometimes require a whole range of remedies to be relieved. Much more than simple headaches, they can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue or sensitivity to light. A migraine attack can last between 4 and 72 hours.
Currently, the treatment of migraine includes both the crisis treatment and the background treatment, to reduce the intensity and frequency of these attacks. In the event of a mild to moderate crisis, aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen are sufficient. When nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are no longer sufficient, specific treatments exist (triptans, ergot derivatives), but basic prophylactic treatment should be considered. Botox injections can be a solution against migraines.
Botox for migraines, what is it for? According to High Authority of Healthwhich issued a favorable opinion on this use in November 2021, botox “is a drug option for chronic migraine prophylaxis in adult patients who have failed or are intolerant to other oral migraine prophylaxis“. For a migraine to be considered chronic, it must be present at least 8 days a month.
Botox, the same used for cosmetic purposes, would reduce the frequency of migraine days by 50% on average for those who suffer chronically. Indeed, women who received botox for aesthetic reasons reportedly noticed relief from their migraine symptoms.
Paralyze nerve endings to limit pain
What is the difference with aesthetic botox? Truth be told, none. Botox is slowly metabolized in the system and patients must undergo the procedure every three months. Additional injections may be performed in areas where pain is felt
In the case of migraine treatment, botox is injected into the scalp, the back of the neck, the back of the head and around the side of the head. It thus helps to paralyze the nerve endings. “Essentially, nerve endings transmit pain, but they also produce painful substances as they do so, and it completely cripples that process.”says Dr. Risa Ravitz, neurologist, at Glamour. It also helps relax the muscles.
Are there any side effects worth noting? “Most often people are in pain because you’re dealing with a bunch of beatings, and sometimes you can get a headache from the procedure.“Said Dr. Ravitz. These headaches usually go away by the next morning.
How often do the injections take place? Against migraine, botox injections should be carried out approximately every three months : “Botox is not a total cure for migraines, but it can decrease the frequency and severity of migraines“, ends the neurologist.
Sources:
- How to treat migraine?Vidal, November 18, 2022
- BOTOX 50 – 100 – 200 mg (botulinum toxin type A) (chronic migraine), HAS, December 14, 2021
- Does Botox for migraines really work?, Glamour, April 17, 2023