Migraines injectable neurotoxin treatments like Botox® can help

When you hear about someone using injectable neurotoxins, you may think about an elective cosmetic procedure, such as Botox® injections to prevent and reduce lines and wrinkles on your forehead.

What you may not know is that injectable neurotoxins are FDA-approved for chronic migraines. While injections like Botox may not be the right preventive treatment for all migraine patients, the treatment is effective for many.

When should I ask about injectables?

Ask your primary care provider about trying neurotoxin injections if:

• You experience 15 or more headache days monthly, at least eight of which meet criteria for migraine.
• Your current treatment plan is not relieving the length and severity of your pain.

How do injectable neurotoxins for migraines work?

Instead of treating your migraine with medication when you have an attack, injectables like Botox help prevent migraines. Research suggests injectable neurotoxins ward off the release of neurotransmitters that signal pain and block the transmission of pain between the brain and the nerves that extend from the spinal cord.

Botox treatment for chronic migraine prevention uses the same protocol for everyone. This involves 31 separate injections into areas of the head, neck and shoulders, consisting of five units each. The peripheral nerves in these areas generate and transmit the migraine signal. When these nerves absorb the medication, the communication of the migraine signal is changed. This results in decreased frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

One treatment typically takes around 20 minutes, and each injection feels like a pinprick or bee sting.

How long does the pain relief last?

Botox treatment cycles are standardized at every 12 weeks for all chronic migraine patients. It may take a few treatment cycles to notice the benefits. Neurotoxin injectables, such as Botox, are not a cure for migraines, but they can be an effective part of your overall treatment plan.

Do I qualify for treatment?

Determining whether you qualify for these treatments will need to start with your health care provider. Your primary care provider will usually refer you to a headache specialist or neurologist for a consultation about injectable neurotoxin treatments to prevent migraines. The criteria include:

• Frequency of migraines.
• Severity of pain.
• Length of pain.
• Previous treatment methods you have tried and their effectiveness.

It helps to document your migraine history for your provider, including frequency, length and severity of pain. If it looks like you are a suitable candidate, your provider will review your medical history and current medications to ensure this treatment is safe for you.

What are the side effects?

You may experience side effects, which could include temporary pain and/or swelling at the injection site, as well as neck pain and changes in the symmetry of your eyebrows. Possible long-term side effects can include difficulty breathing, swallowing, speaking and other allergic reactions. Your provider will review all the risks with you before performing a treatment.

Will my insurance cover this?

Specific criteria may need to be met for your insurance company. Your provider can help you navigate the approval process for insurance coverage. Since these treatments are approved by the FDA for use in adults with chronic migraines, most insurance plans cover it.

Injectable neurotoxins may improve your life.

When you experience a migraine attack, your life is interrupted. Many people who have tried injectable neurotoxins treatments, such as Botox, for migraines report fewer migraines between injections and their quality of life has improved.

If you are tired of having migraines on more days than not, ask your primary care provider if injectable neurotoxin treatments might be a solution for you.