The trouble with migraines
I have spoken with so many patients who suffer with migraines and I really empathise for the very real and severe impact it has on their daily life. For migraine sufferers, finding a treatment that works can be, for lack of a better word, a headache. While there are many prescription medications available, they don’t work for everyone and often have side effects. One medication you might not be aware of that is used for migraines is Botulinum Neurotoxin “Botox” — the same injection that is most commonly known as a cosmetic treatment to reduce wrinkles on the face. Depending on the severity and frequency of your migraine symptoms, this can be a life-changing preventative measure.
So, what is Botulinum Neurotoxin and does it have any potential side effects?
“Botox” is a commercial form of Botulinum Neurotoxin, a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. However, it is not harmful since the protein is administered in very small doses at anatomically specific locations of the face by a medically trained professional.
Some of the rare but possible side effects associated with Botulinum Neurotoxin headache or flu-like symptoms and asymmetry, and all will be discussed with you at consultation. All of these potential side effects are greatly minimised by your medical professional carefully injecting the medicine exactly where it needs to go. For both cosmetic and medical purposes, Botulinum Neurotoxin treatments need to be repeated every 3 - 6 months.
But does it work?
In my experience, having been in this field for over 10 years, Botulinum Toxin is very effective for this purpose. Lawrence Newman, MD, a neurologist and director of the headache division at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, says many of his patients have experienced a significant decline in the number of headaches per month after receiving Botox. In many cases, he says, it has cut down that number by 50% and frequently more than that.
“I do consider Botox safe,” he adds. “So much so that I receive it myself for my chronic migraine.”
Thanks to this treatment with Botulinum Neurotoxin, Newman’s migraine episodes have dropped from 16 a month to 5 or 6 a year. He receives treatment every 3 months.
Reducing Pain Messages to Brain: Botulinum works by blocking a neurotransmitter that tells muscles to contract. Contracted muscles in the head and neck are thought to cause tension headaches which themselves contribute to some migraines. It’s also believed that Botulinum Neurotoxin reduces the pain messages sent to the brain.
What can I expect?
You will receive several injections of Botulinum around your head and neck once every 3-6 months to improve your migraine headaches. If you have migraine pain in one particular spot, you may need more injections there. You will see results 1 - 2 weeks after your first treatment.
Can I have a consultation first?
As you will all know if you have visited us before, we firmly believe that the best results come from thorough and clear consultations to ensure the best treatment outcomes. The exact treatment plan we recommend will vary between individuals, as our approach is bespoke to you. I will consult and assess you and recommend a personalised treatment plan that will deliver the best results.
Want to know more?
Why not watch our youtube video all about Botulinum Neurotoxin for migraines treatment by Dr Kiran Kandola / @drkirankandolafrca here:
Comments