Get Migraine Relief through Botox injections

 
Botox is fairly new cosmetic treatment that frees faces from wrinkles and takes away appearance of growing old. But the buzz that is more recent is the use of Botox for treating migraine. Research shows that those who took injections of Botox reported lessening in severity of their headaches. So is it actually possible to get migraine relief through Botox injections?

Botulinum toxin or Botox is neurotoxin injection. What are neurotoxins? They are the toxins that actually attack cells of the nerve. Botox is vacuum-dried and sterile form of Type A botulinum toxin. It is generally produced from strain of the Clostridium botulinum. It is used in the conditions where hyperactivity of the muscles results in medical and health related problems.

Migraine relief through Botox injections involves paralyzing or weakening hyper-activated muscles through suppression of discharge of acetylcholine that mainly causes transmission of the impulses of the nerve at myoneural and synapses. The procedure could be used to reduce pain that is associated with rectal fissures, achalasia and cervical dystonia as well. Usually Botox is directly injected into affected muscles.

A number of different theories explaining working of Botox to eliminate migraine headaches exist. As per one theory, Botox eliminates headaches by doing away with muscle tension as spasms and tension are chief sources of migraine. It is even thought that Botox reduces headaches by hindering transmission of the nerve cells. As per this theory, the cause of headache is increased number of signals sent by nerves.

As Botox that is given for migraine takes many weeks for showing effect after being injected, it is best to take it once in every 3 months. Pain in area that is injected remains for a few days after Botox has been injected. This could be looked upon as main drawback to use of the neurotoxin.
You would have to consult the doctor before opting for botulinum toxin.

Type A botulinum toxin for migraines is never to be used along with other botulinum toxins or medications that affect muscles or nerves.  
Among the biggest disadvantages

of using Botox to cure migraines is cost of the treatment. Insurance usually does not cover Botox injections. Cost of the treatment could be approximately $350 for every targeted area. This is why the treatment is more expensive as compared to other treatments for migraine like nasal sprays and prescription drugs such as Imitrex. However, these treatments are only used as preventive procedures. They are not able to prevent all attacks of migraines for a maximum of 4 months the way Botox does.

Due to growing interest in the idea of migraine relief through Botox injections, currently more research is being carried out. Making use of Botox for treating migraines should be deliberated very carefully. It is early days before we can truly find out what all the side-effects could be.
You would have to discuss risks with the doctor. In case you make a decision in favor of Botox, you should observe if you experience any severe side effects such as allergic reaction, chest pain, difficulty in swallowing, talking or breathing, extreme weakness of muscles and irregular heartbeats. Seek medical help on experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms.