Botox Treatments
Botox
Some patients may already have had Botox injection as part of migraine treatment through a neurology clinic – these injections are typically deployed in a non-specific way at over 30 sites all over the head. This may or may not have given you some relief. We use Botox in a much more anatomically specific and targeted way, and for a different purpose – to identify your surgical migraine trigger sites. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that are causing compression, traction or irritation of the underlying nerves. If your migraines are significantly improved following Botox treatment, there is a very high likelihood that the same effect can be achieved from migraine surgery. The effect of Botox lasts between 2 to 3 months in contrast to surgical treatment, which for the majority of patients is permanent.
Timeline
It can take up to two weeks for the Botox to have an effect on your headaches. If Botox injection has been successful in improving your headaches, then you and your surgeon will discuss the next steps in your treatment, should you wish to proceed. There will be the option to receive continued Botox injections or to proceed to surgery. We will be guided by you.
Does Botox have any side-effects?
Botox is a drug that is widely used around the world, including by neurologists in the treatment of migraine. It is safe if administered by trained professionals. But as with any medical treatment, there are potential side-effects. These can include:
- A burning sensation in the area of injection
- A small amount of bruising
- Swelling at the site of the injection
- Ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)
- Subtle facial asymmetry
- Migraines can become temporarily worse
In the unlikely event that patients experience the rarer side-effects of Botox, these will resolve once the Botox wears off (approximately 2-3 months).
Botox and pregnancy/breastfeeding:
There is currently not enough evidence to say that Botox can be safely given during pregnancy. Therefore, all women of child-bearing age will be asked to give a urine sample in clinic to test for pregnancy. Furthermore, there are currently no available studies to prove that Botox is safe whilst breastfeeding. We cannot therefore give Botox injection to mothers who are breastfeeding their children.
