There has been many new uses for botulinum toxin injections in recent years in the cosmetic medicine industry. Applications in cosmetic surgery and muscle spasticity disorder are now well recognized and are offered at a number of different centers all over the world. Migraines are one of the newer conditions that botox has been used to treat.

Below, we will be going over how botox treatments have been used as of late to for this reason.

Background

Botox injections work by paralyzing the nerves and blocking the flow of nerve signals, thus relaxing the muscles. It is produced by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium. 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 for migraine treatments

The release of serotonin which is a neuro-chemical, is how migraines are mediated. 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. Botox has been suggested to be injected at 31 to 39 different points in the scalp. The most common theories that have been put forth:

The first thing is that nerve signal pain is stopped from being received.

Next, that it relaxes the scalp muscles and may help reduce blood pressure within the brain

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.

Each patient is different, so in cases where botox is administered 2 times and the patient has no benefit then other options should be considered, but if it makes headaches occur less than 15 days per month, this is another signal of success.

Are risks a factor?

Botox injections into the scalp may cause neck pain and allergic reactions, but these are rare.

Synopsis

Botox injections are still relatively new when it comes to treatment for migraines, but it is gaining in popularity. It's looking good for the future of botox for treating chronic migraine symptoms, but more studies need to be done to have more conclusive evidence.