Botox and Chronic Migraine

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Botox and chronic migraine have an unexpected relationship. On the one hand, the idea of getting injections in your head may sound painful and unbearable. However, when you consider the amount of pain a person with migraine can be in during an attack, the 30+ shots of Botox become a source of hope. 

Why Consider Botox?

Chronic migraine is ranked second among health disorders. Many people living with chronic migraine have tried a variety of other treatments. These may include both preventative and rescue medications. They may have seen the effectiveness of these medications change over time, which led them to a new search. Botox is not typically a treatment option rushed into by patients. However, when a person living with chronic migraine, 15 or more headache days a month, wants to know how they can improve their quality of life, Botox may become an option. 

Living with chronic migraine means missing out on parts of life, and finding a way to decrease headache days would be a way to improve a migraine patient’s quality of life. That makes Botox so much more than a cosmetic option. It has become a life changer in the healthcare world. That could leave you asking, why not Botox?

How Does Botox Work?

This is the kind of medication that makes our reality of possibilities just hard to fathom. Yet, our medical advancements continue to grow every day. According to John Hopkins, “Evidence suggests that the drug interrupts the pathway of pain from the brain (central nervous system) and nerves that extend from the spinal cord.” So, botulinum toxin has become a pain reducer, not just a wrinkle eraser. Although, a combination isn’t all that bad of an idea either. 

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medication or treatment, this is a common question and can vary from person to person. It is important to discuss all concerns and reactions with your doctor. Barrow Neurological Institute outlines these to include drooping of the eyelid or brow and neck or shoulder weakness. Other side effects include headache, neck pain, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain. These can range in severity for each person, so again, please consult your healthcare provider with any concerns or questions.

What Are The Risks?

Patients want to know treatments are safe, and you should do your due diligence and find out the facts. Botox is not for everyone, but it can be helpful for some. John Hopkins explains that nursing or pregnant mothers, as well as those with an allergy to the protein in cow’s milk, should not receive Botox injections. 

Each person will have to weigh the costs and benefits of Botox. This decision should be informed, and one the patient is comfortable with. Speaking with your healthcare provider can give you more direction.

Personal Experience

My migraine journey is a long one. I know how debilitating this disease can be and how discouraging it can be to have medications that don’t do what you want them to. I have gone through countless medications, including preventatives and rescue medicines. 

When my neurologist mentioned Botox, I did not think it was for me. At the first talk about it, I had not tried a CGRP, so I went that route first. It helped for a while. Then things changed. I now have that in my armory and three other preventatives. Now, Botox is also a part of my toolkit.

My first two treatments seemed to make a slight difference, but there were no side effects. It was explained that it could take at least three or four treatments to see a real difference, so I remained hopeful.

After my third set, it was a whole other story. I left the office and thought I was feeling ok. However, by late that night, I had a migraine attack start. It was too late to reach out to coworkers, and it got worse fast. By the next morning, I was in unbearable pain. My husband took me to the hospital. I was admitted and stayed for five days. It was determined that Botox triggered my attack. As my neurologist explained, that can be a side effect. 

Wait, there is a silver lining. After I recovered and dealt with the consequences of being in the hospital, I had three weeks with only one migraine attack! I hoped the Botox treatments were working and, in the long run, this would be the right path with less pain.

You might think I was giving up on Botox or would be too apprehensive to go for the fourth round! However, my trusted neurologist insisted I not and reminded me of the difference in my beginning treatments. The first two did not result in the same severe attack. So, we created a plan. I had meds to prep with, ensured I didn’t make any big plans before or after my appointment, and did my best to avoid any triggers I could control. We know we can’t control them all.

Fortunately, it went well! I did not have a migraine after that set of injections, and I am hopeful for the future! There were some rough patches, for sure, but maybe this will lead me to a better migraine life. I will continue to share my journey. 

Bottom Line

Each person knows their own body, and you must be sure to tell your health story.  It is important to share how you are doing with your doctor so they know if the treatment is helping and how it is affecting your life. Having a doctor you can trust is so important in your care. You should feel encouraged and supported. I know that as I work with my doctor, we will continue the journey, and she will not give up on finding what works. Read more about my journey in Migraine Rescue Meds: A Long Journey, and continue to read more and find support on migraineroad.

Sources

Becker, W. J. (2020, December 17). Botulinum toxin in the treatment of headache. Toxins. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7766412/

Botox for chronic migraine. Barrow Neurological Institute. (2023, March 28). https://www.barrowneuro.org/treatment/botox-for-chronic-migraine/

Botulinum toxin injectables for migraines. JHM. (2021, October 15). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/botulinum-toxin-injectables-for-migraines

Disclaimer:

Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the medical and health area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health-related decisions. For your health-related questions, please seek the advice of a licensed physician or any other qualified healthcare provider immediately.