Aside from smoothing facial wrinkles and lines, what other issues can be treated using Botox injections? Bay Area residents will be surprised to know the neurotoxin can also be used to treat migraines.
Migraines are recurrent headaches that can cause moderate discomfort to extreme pain. These headaches often affect only one side of the head, can last up to 72 hours, and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and light, sound, or smell sensitivity.
Botox, Bay Area physicians will tell you, was first suspected as an effective migraine pain treatment when people who received Botox injections for their wrinkles reported that their headaches were also getting better. Afterward, a study involving adults observed that the number of days people had chronic migraine headaches were cut in half after receiving Botox injections. Bay Area physicians will add that many of these participants also experienced more pain-free days after Botox treatment.
Other studies yielded similar observations. As a result, Botox was approved in 2010 as a treatment for adults who suffer from chronic migraines.
Botox injections, Bay Area physicians think, work as a treatment for migraines because the toxin prevents chemicals known as neurotransmitters from transmitting pain signals from the brain to the nerve endings located in the head and neck.
So how are migraines treated with Botox injections? In Bay Area clinics, multiple injections will be administered in the head and neck areas once every 12 weeks. Between 30 and 40 shots on each half of the head will be required per session. More injections may be needed on specific spots where the pain is most severe.
These Botox shots will reduce or prevent the occurrence of migraine headaches. Results can be expected in 2 to 3 weeks following the first session.
If you want your migraines to be treated with Botox injections, Bay Area clinics can help you. Just make sure your chosen physician is trained to administer these shots for this particular purpose.
It’s also important to make sure you aren’t allergic to Botox. Bay Area clinics should inform you of the symptoms of such an allergy, which includes shortness of breath, hives, or swelling in the lower legs.
If you’re interested in getting treatment using Botox, the Bay Area is where you can find our Rejuvé clinic. Please feel free to explore our website to learn more about the services we offer, and call (408) 740-5320 when you’re ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tang.