What is Botox Treatment for Migraines?

Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is a well-known injectable treatment originally developed for smoothing facial wrinkles, but it is also a licensed, clinically proven option for preventing chronic migraines. In this context, “chronic migraine” means experiencing headaches on 15 or more days per month, with at least 8 of those being migraines.

How Does Botox for Migraines Work?

Botox works by temporarily blocking the release of certain chemicals involved in transmitting pain. When injected into specific muscles of the head and neck, Botox helps prevent pain signals from reaching the nerve endings, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

  • Mechanism: Botox interrupts the communication between nerves and muscles, and also inhibits the release of neurotransmitters that trigger pain.

  • Preventative, not curative: Botox doesn’t stop a migraine once it’s started, but it can reduce how often and how severely migraines occur over time.

For price and further information please email contact@karwalaesthetics.com.

FAQs

    1. Consultation: A thorough assessment is performed to confirm the diagnosis of chronic migraine and to rule out other causes of headache.

    2. Preparation: The skin is cleansed. No anaesthetic is usually required as the injections are quick and use a very fine needle.

    3. Injection Sites: Botox is injected at multiple sites across the head and neck, following a standardised protocol known as the PREEMPT (Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy) protocol.

      • Typical areas include the forehead, temples, back of the head (occipital region), neck, and shoulders.

      • In total, around 31–39 injections are given in one session.

    4. Procedure Time: The treatment takes about 15–20 minutes.

    5. Aftercare: Patients can return to normal activities immediately, though it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.

  • Botox is injected into seven key muscle areas around the head and neck, including:

    • Forehead (frontalis muscle)

    • Temples (temporalis muscle)

    • Back of the head (occipitalis muscle)

    • Neck (cervical paraspinal and trapezius muscles)

    • Above the ears (temporalis)

    • Bridge of the nose (procerus)

    • Upper shoulders (trapezius)

    This multi-site approach targets the nerves and muscles most commonly involved in migraine attacks.

    • Reduced Frequency: Most patients experience a significant reduction in the number of migraine days per month.

    • Decreased Severity: Migraines that do occur are often less intense and shorter in duration.

    • Improved Quality of Life: Patients frequently report better sleep, mood, and ability to function day-to-day.

    • Minimal Downtime: The procedure is quick, well-tolerated, and requires no recovery period.

    • Long-lasting: Effects generally last 3 months, with repeat treatments recommended for ongoing benefit.

    • Adults with chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month, 8+ being migraines)

    • Those who have not responded well to oral preventative medications

    • Those who have a referral letter from a neurologist

  • Botox for migraines is considered very safe when administered by a qualified medical professional. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, and may include:

    • Mild pain, redness, or bruising at injection sites

    • Temporary muscle weakness or stiffness in the neck or shoulders

    • Rarely, headache or flu-like symptoms

    Serious complications are extremely rare when performed in a medical setting.

    • Botox is a preventative treatment, not a cure, for chronic migraines

    • It works by blocking pain signals and relaxing specific muscles

    • Injections are carefully placed in multiple areas of the head and neck

    • Most patients see a significant improvement in migraine frequency and severity

    • Treatment is quick, safe, and repeatable every 12 weeks

  • Migraine treatments are performed in our Mayfair Clinic, 15 Dover Street, W1s 4LP.