What Does Migraine Treatment With Botox Involve?
Botulinum toxin is injected into seven muscles around the top of the forehead, above the ears and into the neck via a small needle. You will have around 31 small Botox injections. The areas can be numbed beforehand.
You may notice some redness and/or swelling around the injection points, which will settle after a few hours.
Repeated Botox injections for migraine treatment are needed every three months, usually until your chronic migraines change to episodic migraines for 12 weeks in a row.
How Much Does It Cost to Treat Migraines With Botox?
You may qualify for free treatment for chronic migraine on the NHS - speak to your GP for an assessment. If NHS treatment using Botox for migraine isn't an option for you, private treatment cost varies, with an average cost of around £500.
Always see a practitioner with specific experience in using botulinum toxin for migraines.
Don't be swayed by price!
Side effects of using Botox for migraines and other brands of botulinum toxin are rare, but can include:
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Exacerbation or increase in headaches/migraines
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Neck muscle stiffness or pain
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Swelling
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Allergic reaction
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Droopy eyelids
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Dry eyes or mouth
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Facial paralysis
The most dangerous complications are double vision and difficulty breathing, but these are thankfully extremely rare.#
If you experience any side effects or complications, contact your practitioner immediately.
Using Botox for migraine is a medical treatment, so it's really important you see a medically-qualified practitioner with specific training in this area.
They should have undergone training in anatomy and physiology, as well as being accountable to a regulatory body such as the General Medical Council (GMC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), or General Dental Council (GDC).
They should also be able to advise you of the risks of injectable migraine treatment and be confident in handling complications if they arise.
Check out our handy guide for finding a trusted expert who offers Botox for migraine.
Book a Botulinum Toxin Consultation Today.
Botox for migraines is available on the NHS, but only in specific circumstances. See your GP to find out if you're eligible for Botox for migraine treatment, or see your nearest accredited and verified medical practitioner who can offer private migraine treatment below.
As always, if you have any questions you can use our Botox Q&A where you can ask for more advice direct from a trusted, experienced medical practitioner.
