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Alternative to Botox migraine treatment could be commonly prescribed prophylactic medications include tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline [Pamelor], amitriptyline [Elavil]); beta blockers (e.g., nadolol [Corgard], propranolol [Inderal]); serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine [Prozac]); and antiseizure medications (e.g., valproate [Depakote]).

Botox Migraine Treatment

Botox Injections are effective for migraine treatment. Recent studies on hundreds of patients confirm that Botox® (Botulinum Toxin) reduces the frequency and number of headaches in migraine sufferers. It seems to act by diminishing muscular strain in the frontal regions that act as triggers for the onset of a migraine. Temporary paralysis of these muscle groups for 3 to 6 months from Botox® reduces headache symptoms.

When Botox migraine treatment is effective, the need for daily medications or acute medicines for severe attacks are significantly reduced or entirely eliminated. . There are essentially no long-term side effects from the injections.

Usually, patients do not begin to experience migraine relief for two to three weeks after injecting Botox. Thereafter, however, the effect may increase and have a duration of three to four months.

Botox® has been used safely and successfully in ophthalmology for over 15 years and for wrinkle therapy for almost 10 years. It has been approved by the FDA for neurological disorders and some cosmetic use. In the amounts used for migraine treatment, the only possible side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection. However, medical treatment is not an exact science and the degree of the improvement is variable. Occasionally there is no improvement and another form of treatment may be required.

There is no recovery time needed after migraine treatment procedure. Most people resume normal activities immediately.

Pain during migraine treatment is minimal - when BotoxBotox® is injected there is an initial minor sting for a few seconds. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen-like medications for 1 week before Botox headache treatment.

After treating migraine with Botox you should:

1. Avoid lying down or massaging the treated area for 4 hours after treatment.
2. Do not exercise for 24 hours.
3. Exercise the treated muscles for a few hours after the treatment.
4. If you get a headache (as some people do for few hours after the treatment) you may take a Tylenol, unless otherwise advised by your physician.
5. You may take Arnica tablets if there is any bruising in the site of injections, or if you are prone to bruising.
6. You will notice the effect of the Botox® in 5 to 10 days.

Botox Migraine Treatment Cost

Lower bound: $700
Upper bound: $2,500
National average: $1,200

Testimonials

"I started to have severe migraines since I was 14. I had tried every medicine known to man. Then I tried Botox® injections; this was approximately four years ago, I have not had a migraine headache in four years."

Carol M., 34 Beverly Hills

Botox® migraine, Video NBC