The use of botulinum toxin injections has advanced tremendously over the last few years. Not only do clinics offer patients options to enhance their appearance using botox, there are other disorders that are treatable this way as well, including muscle spasticity. Migraines are one of the newer conditions that botox has been used to treat.
In this article we shall take a brief look at this new application of botox injections.
Background
The results of botox injections into muscle tissue is that nerve signals are paralyzed, which blocks signals to muscles so they stay relaxed. A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum causes this result. Its primary use is to relax the muscles around the eyes and other parts of the body, helping restore muscle tone and improving overall function.
Botox in migraine
Migraine is primarily mediated by the release of the neuro-chemical serotonin. This is not affected by botox, however, patients notice a decrease in pain from migraines after having the treatments.
This is still being researched and the reasons for the correlation are not clear at this time, but people are still pleased with the results they receive for their migraine issues. The recommendations from the studies is to inject the botox into the scalp at around 31 -39 different points in patients. There are a number of theories that have been postulated:
Number one would be that pain signals in nerves are blocked by these injections.
After that, the muscles in the scalp are relaxed, which in turn, causes the brain to have a lower blood pressure.
Even though research is still in early stages, there appears to be good evidence supporting its use particularly because it can help reduce the frequency of headaches and also improve the quality of life of patients.
If other treatment methods are not effective for a patient and they have at least 15 days a month of migraines, this is when botox injections are typically suggested by a medical professional. A condition called 'analgesic overuse headache', which is headache due to overuse of painkillers, also needs to be ruled out.
Treatments should be stopped if 2 cycles of botox injection treatments have failed, or the character of the migraine has changed and no longer meets the criteria of occurring on 15 days of a month.
Any risks?
Botox injections into the scalp may cause neck pain and allergic reactions, but these are rare.
Conclusion
The uses of botox are still growing and its application in migraine is novel. Research is still being conducted and the results so far have been promising, making it a treatment that is currently approved in managing chronic migraine.
In this article we shall take a brief look at this new application of botox injections.
Background
The results of botox injections into muscle tissue is that nerve signals are paralyzed, which blocks signals to muscles so they stay relaxed. A bacterium called Clostridium botulinum causes this result. Its primary use is to relax the muscles around the eyes and other parts of the body, helping restore muscle tone and improving overall function.
Botox in migraine
Migraine is primarily mediated by the release of the neuro-chemical serotonin. This is not affected by botox, however, patients notice a decrease in pain from migraines after having the treatments.
This is still being researched and the reasons for the correlation are not clear at this time, but people are still pleased with the results they receive for their migraine issues. The recommendations from the studies is to inject the botox into the scalp at around 31 -39 different points in patients. There are a number of theories that have been postulated:
Number one would be that pain signals in nerves are blocked by these injections.
After that, the muscles in the scalp are relaxed, which in turn, causes the brain to have a lower blood pressure.
Even though research is still in early stages, there appears to be good evidence supporting its use particularly because it can help reduce the frequency of headaches and also improve the quality of life of patients.
If other treatment methods are not effective for a patient and they have at least 15 days a month of migraines, this is when botox injections are typically suggested by a medical professional. A condition called 'analgesic overuse headache', which is headache due to overuse of painkillers, also needs to be ruled out.
Treatments should be stopped if 2 cycles of botox injection treatments have failed, or the character of the migraine has changed and no longer meets the criteria of occurring on 15 days of a month.
Any risks?
Botox injections into the scalp may cause neck pain and allergic reactions, but these are rare.
Conclusion
The uses of botox are still growing and its application in migraine is novel. Research is still being conducted and the results so far have been promising, making it a treatment that is currently approved in managing chronic migraine.
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