No, using botox to prevent headaches due to chronic migraine is not the same as using it to help with wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic, which contains the same active drug (OnabotulinumtoxinA) as Botox, is used to reduce wrinkles. It is given in lower doses than Botox used to treat migraines. I have been living with migraines since I was a teenager.
The condition has caused me to miss out on many special occasions, such as trips, concerts, and family parties. It has also made it difficult to plan ahead and has had a negative impact on my relationships. Fortunately, there is a solution: Botox. This FDA-approved treatment is identical to the Botox used to smooth facial lines and wrinkles.
It is administered in a series of injections and the effects usually last until the next morning. The only side effect I have experienced after five doses of Botox is that my forehead may feel heavier after the injections, where the nerve endings are frozen. Your health insurance may cover all or most of the cost of botox, depending on your plan. It is important to find a reputable clinic with board-certified professionals who are experts in giving safe injections.
The full effects of Botox are usually visible within two weeks and can last up to 6 months or until the body completely metabolizes the substance. The effectiveness of botulinum toxin treatments for chronic migraines has been proven in clinical trials. Dr Najib recommends trying two doses of Botox before making a decision about whether it is working for you. Women are disproportionately affected by migraines, with 85 percent of people suffering from chronic migraine being female and 28 million people in the United States alone affected by the condition.
As an anti-wrinkle treatment, cosmetic botox injections are an alternative to dermal fillers and work by disrupting the nerves that release the chemicals responsible for muscle contraction. Although there is still more research to be done on Botox for migraines and doctors are still not completely sure why the procedure is effective, they have some ideas. If you are considering using Botox for migraine relief, it is important to find a reputable clinic with board-certified professionals who are experts in giving safe injections.