Botox® (a purified form of Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a well-known treatment used not just for cosmetic purposes but also to help manage medical conditions like chronic migraines
IOther variations of Botulinum Toxin include Bocouture® and Dysport®.
What is Chronic Migraine?
Chronic Migraine is defined as having 15 or more headache days per month, each lasting 4 hours or more. At least 8 of the headache days must be associated with migraine.
Approximately 10 million people live with migraine in the UK. The Migraine Trust, estimates that over one million live with chronic migraine.
How Does Botox® Help with Chronic Migraine?
When used to treat chronic migraines, Botox® works by blocking the release of certain chemicals that transmit pain. It can help decrease the number of headaches, as well as the intensity and duration of each migraine.
In clinical trials, Botox® has shown to significantly reduce the frequency of migraine days compared to placebo, with some patients experiencing up to 9 fewer migraine days per month.
Clinical Results
In two major clinical trials (PREEMPT, 2010), involving nearly 1,400 participants, Botox® treatment showed a significant reduction in the number of headache days compared to a placebo group. On average, treated patients had 7.8 to 9.2 fewer migraine days over 24 weeks, with a noticeable improvement in overall headache duration and severity.
What to Expect During Treatment
The Botox® treatment for chronic migraines involves around 27 small injections in specific areas of the face, neck, and scalp. These injections use a very fine needle, and most people find the procedure to be relatively comfortable.
While many people tolerate the procedure well, results can vary from person to person. Some may experience better or less effective results than expected.
Potential Side Effects
As with any treatment, there can be side effects. In the PREEMPT trials, about 29% of patients experienced mild side effects, including:
- Neck pain
- Eyelid drooping
- Muscular weakness
- Injection site pain
- Headache
- Muscle stiffness
Most side effects were temporary and resolved within a few weeks. Serious side effects are rare.
Prices
| Botox to prevent migraine symptoms *Price may be adjusted pro rata for treatment targeting specific head or neck areas/symptoms. | £695.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BTX?
BTX or Botulinum ToXin is a purified protein collected from naturally occurring bacteria that blocks pain receptors in the nerves of the muscles in your forehead, scalp, neck, and shoulders to your brain that may cause migraine attacks.
How does BTX work in Chronic Migraine prevention?
BTX is a preventive treatment. It prevents headaches and migraine attacks before they even start.BTX prevents, on average, 8 to 9 headache days and migraine or probable migraine days a month, vs 6 to 7 for placebo.
BTX is the first FDA-approved preventive treatment for Chronic Migraine. Unlike acute treatments, which are taken to treat a headache or migraine once it’s already begun,
Are You a Good Candidate for Botox®?
Botox® is generally safe, but it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain neurological conditions like Myasthenia Gravis or Eaton-Lambert syndrome. Be sure to tell your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions before starting treatment.
How often do I need treatments?
You’ll start with 2 treatments 12 weeks apart to determine how well BTX is working for you. If you don’t get 2 treatments 12 weeks apart, you may not get the full benefit of BTX treatment at week 24.
When will I feel results?
Don’t expect BTX to work right away. In clinical studies, as early as 4 weeks after initial treatment, a difference in headache day reduction as observed; however, it takes 2 treatments before it’ll really help. Full effects are seen and measured 24 weeks after initial treatment.
What is the treatment and does it hurt?
Your doctor will inject BOTOX® in 7 areas of the head and neck. These areas were found to be the locations for BOTOX® to work the way it should. During those 10 minutes, there will be a total of 31 injections.
Small, fine needles are used, and the injections occur in shallow muscles, just beneath the skin. Some patients say that the injections feel like little pinches or pinpricks.
Can I still take acute medication for my migraine attacks once I begin BOTOX® treatment for Chronic Migraine?
If your doctor recommends it, you may still take acute medications while you are on BOTOX® treatment.
Is Botox® Safe?
Botox® has been widely studied and used for over two decades, with no long-term health risks or serious side effects reported. However, like any medical treatment, the results can vary, and it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for the best outcome.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect was neck pain, which was experienced by 9% of BOTOX® patients vs 3% for placebo.
Less common side effects include:
Heavy eyebrows
Swelling or bruising at injections sites
What should I avoid after treatment?
You should avoid:
Bending, kneeling, or stooping excessively for 24 hours
Drinking alcohol for 24 hours
Massaging the area
Reapplying makeup immediately (OK after 24 hours)
Flying long-haul for 72 hours