While Botox is most commonly used as an anti-wrinkle treatment, it can also be used for a number of medical conditions. Interestingly, Botox injections can be used as a treatment for chronic migraine headaches and other headache-related conditions.
A chronic migraine is characterised by recurring headaches that cause mild to severe pain on one side of the head. These chronic migraine attacks can last hours up to three days and are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Unfortunately, chronic migraine and episodic migraine symptoms are often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound as well. Chronic migraine pain is typically throbbing in nature, but it can also be stabbing or dull aches.
While their exact cause is unknown, chronic migraines are thought to be associated with temporary changes in nerves, blood vessels and chemicals in the brain. Migraines can be triggered by stress, tiredness, certain foods or coming on your period.
Botox can be used as a chronic migraine treatment. Botox is a brand of botulinum toxin – a neurotoxin which interferes with the transmission of nerve signals throughout your body.
Botulinum toxin is thought to help treat migraines by blocking the chemicals that carry pain signals from within your brain when injected around the nerve endings where pain transmission takes place. This can cut down the symptoms completely or partially reduce the number of migraine attacks.
Botox is approved for use on the NHS for treating frequent migraines. These are defined as more than 15 headaches a month, with at least eight showing symptoms of a chronic migraine. Botox has not been found to be effective for tension or cluster headaches.
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.
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:
Exacerbation or increase in headaches/migraines
Neck muscle stiffness or pain
Swelling
Allergic reaction
Droopy eyelids
Dry eyes or mouth
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.
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.
Neo-Derm specialises in medical aesthetic treatments, dental cosmetic treatments, complementary, beauty and holistic therapies. We have a team of multidisciplinary professionals who work both withi...[READ MORE]
407 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1AA
In the heart of Nottingham you will find The Castle Clinic. We are Dentists who offer a range of; General, Cosmetic and Surgical options to give you a beautiful and healthy smile. We are also Facial A...[READ MORE]
The Castle Clinic, 1a Peveril Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2HY
The Doctors Laser Clinic, based in Norwich, are dedicated to making our clients feel confident. We use the best lasers in the industry for everything from laser hair and tattoo removal through to s...[READ MORE]
The Old Surgery, Poringland, Norwich, NR14 7JL
The Wellfield Skin Clinic is a CQC registered skin clinic, located in Windsor, Berkshire. We specialise in treatments such as mole removal, dermal fillers, non-surgical rhinoplasty, skin tag removal...[READ MORE]
Alma Medica, 47 Alma Road, Windsor, SL4 3HH
Facial Aesthetics with a delicate touch. We believe small changes from the outside can make a big difference to the inside.[READ MORE]
102 Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 0BW
We are a select team of surgeons, doctors, nurses and practioners with the ethos of delivering a high-quality bespoke service utilising the latest innovations technologies and medical expertise.[READ MORE]
99 Harley Street, Suite Eac, Marylebone, W1G 6AQ
At Woodford Medical we are a professional and trusted partnership who have worked in the aesthetic and cosmetic industry since 1995. What distinguishes us here at Woodford Medical is that we aim to ...[READ MORE]
21 Waterloo Place, Leamington Spa, CV32 5LA
The clinic in Sawston Cambridge was established in 2003 by Dr Hilary Allan. Since then, she has taken it from strength to strength and today she spearheads a successful and booming clinic for her di...[READ MORE]
1a Langford Arch, London Road, Sawston, CB22 3FX
The Ailesbury Clinic in Dublin run by Dr Patrick Treacy, and Nurse Lorraine Delaney offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments, including laser skin resurfacing. The clinic is conveniently located on ...[READ MORE]
David Lloyd Riverview, Beech Hill Rd. Clonskeagh, Dublin, DUBLIN 4
