Botox is widely popular to smoothen the wrinkles on the face. According to the Mayo Clinic, injections are shots that use a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time.
It is noteworthy that Botox is also used to treat neck spasms, sweating, overactive bladder, lazy eye and other conditions. Surprisingly, Botox shots may also help prevent migraine.
According to Dr. Ajay Rana, Dermatologist, surgeon & aesthetic physician and Director of ILAMED & Dermalyn Aesthetics, when they look into the difficulties of treating a migraine, they are faced with beauty and brains meeting at Botox.
“Its efficiency is based on its ability to block the release of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine specifically involved in pain signalling. Migraine symptoms can be relieved by injecting Botox into areas such as the forehead, temples, and neck muscles which interrupt pain pathways. As approved by US FDA, it has been shown that Botox injections remain effective for 8-10 months in the reduction of headache frequency and severity in patients with chronic migraine,” Dr. Rana revealed.
Precise mechanisms remain unclear; however, studies show that this is one of the most effective treatments in comparison to any other and the treatment is well tolerated by the patients, he explained.
Dr. Rana also informed that the expense of using Botox for treating migraines can vary depending on several factors.
“The cost includes not only the price of Botox but also doctors’ fees for administering it. Despite the cost, many migraine sufferers find relief through Botox therapy, making it a valuable option for those seeking effective migraine management,” he told Financial Express.com.
Interestingly, the medicine in Botox injections is made from the same toxin that causes a type of food poisoning called botulism. However, the forms of purified botulinum toxin used by licensed healthcare providers meet medical control standards.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Botox injections may help reduce how often you get a migraine. “This treatment is used mainly for people who have headaches 15 or more days a month. When you get serious headaches that often, the condition is called chronic migraine. Treatment is needed about every three months to retain the benefit,” it stated.