Using Botox for Migraines
Migraines are, in the words of Parks and Rec’s Jean-Ralphio Sapperstein, “the wooooorst.” Most of us cope by taking a couple Excedrin, drinking a glass of water and taking a nap in a dark room (chic eye mask optional, but always stylish). But did you know that Botox can also be used to treat chronic migraines? The FDA approved it for use in 2010 for people who experience 15 or more migraines a month, and we turned to the American Migraine Foundation for more info about how it works.
How Botox Can Help Migraines
As you probably know from using Botox for cosmetic purposes, the botulinum toxin is purified (which makes it nontoxic) and injected with a teeny-tiny needle into problem areas. For migraines, that means key areas in the head and neck. It works by entering nerve endings and blocking the release of chemicals in your body that are involved in pain transmission.
Botox can be used to prevent migraines before they start, but it takes a little time to kick in—usually two or three treatments before you start to see results. And, like using Botox to smooth your wrinkles, the more treatments you receive, the better your results. The American Migraine Foundation says that one treatment can last up to 12 weeks, but that it can take up to 6 months to see maximum results.
What it’s like
Getting Botox for migraines is a lot like getting it to prevent crow’s feet and smile lines. An appointment usually lasts about 20 minutes and consists of several injections using a very small needle. Side effects are pretty mild—most likely a sore neck. Nothing some ibuprofen and and ice pack can’t fix.
Who can get Botox for migraines
Getting Botox for migraines is only FDA approved for people over 18 who experience 15 or more migraines a month; it’s not recommended for people who have any fewer than that. Technically, doctors can prescribe it for kids and teens, but there’s no guarantee insurance plans will cover it.
It’s usually prescribed by headache specialists or neurologists with plenty of experience. After all, you’d want somebody who knows their stuff to iron out those forehead wrinkles—the same is true for headaches.
How much it costs
This one’s kind of a question mark. Botox for migraines is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. The American Migraine Foundation estimates $300-$600 per treatment, but it depends on your insurance plan, who’s doing the injections, how much you need, etc.
The bottom line
Botox is a great way to put a stop to chronic migraines, but it should be done by an experienced professional. Before you consider having it done, do your homework to make sure you have all the facts and that it’s the right treatment for you. And things in the medical field change all the time—who knows, maybe Botox will be approved for even more headache sufferers soon. Hope is in sight!