Some people swear by Botox, while others think it is a joke. And while it is best known as a cosmetic treatment that paralyzes certain facial muscles to temporarily minimize lines and wrinkles, there is another application for Botox: the treatment of painful migraines.
Treating migraines with Botox is not new. In fact, doctors have been using it “off-label,” meaning without it being sanctioned for such use. Last year, the FDA went ahead and officially approved the use of Botox for migraine headaches in adults.
What this means is that if you suffer from migraines, you have another treatment option open to you. You will have to return every three months, since the relief isn’t permanent, but many studies have shown it to be very effective.
How does it work? The Botox may be blocking nerve signals that cause the pain of the migraines.
How does treatment take place? On each three-month visit, the patient receives 31 small injections spread over seven different locations throughout the head and neck. These are different spots that those used during cosmetic treatment, so those who may be hoping to kill two birds with ones stone, so to speak, eliminate the migraine and the wrinkles, may be disappointed.
About half of insurance companies won’t currently pay for Botox treatment for migraines. Even if your insurance does pay for this treatment, you may not meet the criteria that they impose, such as the number, frequency and severity of your migraine headaches. As the treatment becomes more popular, this reluctance to offer coverage may change.
Botox is just one method of treatment for migraines. If you suffer from migraines, you should explore all of your options with your doctor to determine the treatment or treatments that may work best for you.
What do you think? Would you consider Botox treatment for migraines?
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