23 Apr Botox for Migraine Management
Botox is most commonly known for its use as a cosmetic compound. Botox helps to relax the muscles by slowing down nerve impulses. The result of this is tighter skin that is often free from wrinkles. Botox injections allow people to look and feel younger.
However, because of the interesting way that Botox affects the skin and nerves, it can also be useful for managing painful conditions, especially migraines. Migraines can be a challenging condition to treat, but Botox provided by pain management doctors Illinois seems to be effective.
How does Botox work?
Botox is short for Botulinum toxin, an incredibly toxic compound and the most poisonous protein known to mankind to date. It is made by bacteria and causes the deadly condition of botulism, a condition that paralyzes your body and disrupts your nervous system when eaten.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that small doses of the toxin are okay to be injected for medical purposes.
Once Botox is injected into the body, it begins to relax the musculoskeletal system. This can reduce pain by helping to fight off overstimulated muscles, twitches, and other painful musculoskeletal problems.
Botox procedures are fast and simple. Your pain management doctors Illinois will simply insert a needle containing Botox into your body. It’s recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol or taking anti-inflammatory drugs for at least a week before you get your treatment.
Botox for Migraines
In 2010, Botox was approved for adults who get chronic migraines. It’s only approved for people who have a medical history of migraine headaches, as well as regular headaches on at least half of the days of the month.
If you get headaches on less than 14 days a month or get other types of headaches (including cluster headaches) then this treatment isn’t approved for you.
Botox was originally discovered to be a treatment for migraines by accident. Doctors repeatedly found that patients who struggled with chronic headaches would find improvement when they sought Botox injections for cosmetic reasons. This spurred research into the use of the protein for new medical purposes.
Does Botox Work for Migraines?
Studies reveal that patients who have migraines respond positively to Botox treatments. After receiving a shot of Botox they were able to enjoy days that were completely headache-free. They were also able to enjoy a significant reduction in the intensity of their headaches.
After consecutive rounds of Botox treatments, more than 70% of the patients reported that they were experiencing only half as many headaches.
Doctors currently believe that Botox works to prevent headaches by interrupting the signaling of various brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. By intercepting them before they can cause pain, Botox prevents headaches from occurring.
Conclusion
Migraine headaches are pain. They can be difficult to treat and they can strike at any time. Sometimes, over-the-counter painkillers aren’t enough.
Fortunately, doctors have begun to realize the importance of Botox as a treatment for migraines. If you’re struggling with migraines, talk to pain management doctors Illinois to see if they can help.