Migraine Injections
Dealing with chronic migraines can be a real challenge. Migraines can cause recurring episodes of pain and other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light. Migraine injections are a preventative measure to reduce the frequency and/or severity of migraine attacks.
If you are suffering from migraines, then why not speak to the Neurologists at Virgin Islands Neurology in the U.S. Virgin Islands? They can evaluate your symptoms and discuss your treatment options with you. Schedule your appointment today.
Topic at a Glance
- Migraine injections can be used either to prevent attacks regularly or, in some cases, reduce the intensity of an active migraine attack.
- CGRP-targeting injections such as Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality are preventive treatments, with Emgality used for adults who have at least four migraine days per month.
- Botulinum toxin injections prevent migraines by interrupting pain transmission and are typically given as multiple injections, up to 31, every 12 weeks; they do not treat the pain of an active attack.
- Common side effects include injection-site redness or pain, cramps, muscle spasms, constipation, and nasal congestion; rare serious reactions can include allergic reactions to anti-CGRP medications or widespread effects from botulinum toxin that affect muscles, vision, speech, swallowing, or breathing.
What Are Migraine Injections?
Migraine injections are medications administered by injection to either prevent migraine attacks or, in some cases, help stop an attack that is already occurring. Preventative injections are taken regularly to reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Rescue injections (also called acute injections) are used to reduce the intensity of an active migraine attack.
The choice of migraine injection depends on factors such as how often migraine attacks occur, their severity, your symptoms, other health conditions, and medications you have already tried. Your healthcare professional can help determine which preventive treatment may be appropriate for you.
Types of Migraine Injections
There are several injectable medications available to treat migraines. Some work by targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein involved in migraines. Botox injections work by interrupting pain signals.
Injections are recommended according to migraine frequency, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and their severity.
Migraine injections include the following:
Aimovig
Aimovig is a CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibody used as a preventive treatment for migraine. Its purpose is migraine prevention rather than acute treatment. It works by disrupting the CGRP pathway. Your doctor will determine if this medication is right for you based on your headache diary and other medications you might be taking.
Ajovy
Ajovy is another CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibody used for migraine prevention. Treatment schedules vary, so you should follow the instructions from your healthcare professional.
Emgality
Emgality is a CGRP-targeting medication used to help prevent migraine for adults with at least four migraine days a month. Following the initial dose, monthly injections are used to prevent migraines.
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum injections are different from the CGRP injections. They work by interrupting the pathway of pain transmission between the brain (central nervous system) and nerves that extend from the spinal cord.
Botulinum injections are a preventive medication that can reduce migraine frequency and severity over time. They do not reduce the pain of a migraine attack. They are administered through multiple injections (up to 31 injections) every 12 weeks.
Side Effects of Migraine Injections
Side effects vary depending on the type of migraine injection used. Many people tolerate these medications well, but some may experience mild or temporary side effects. The side effects of CGRP injections may include the following:
- Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site
- Cramps
- Muscle spasms
- Constipation
- Nasal congestion
Those who have used botulinum toxin medicines may also experience the following mild symptoms:
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- An eyelid, eyebrow, or side of the mouth could droop
- Dry or watering eye
- Drooling
In very rare cases, anti-CGRP medications could cause an allergic reaction. You should seek immediate medical help if you have any of the following symptoms after the injection:
- Swelling in the face, throat, tongue, or extremities
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Flushing in the face
- Hives (raised welts) or rash
If you have taken a botulinum toxin injection, there is a rare possibility that it could spread to other parts of the body. If it does, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should be aware of the following symptoms:
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Difficulties speaking, swallowing, or breathing
- Lack of bladder control
Get Migraine Relief Today!
Frequent or severe migraine symptoms can interfere with work, family life, and daily activities. At Virgin Islands Neurology, our Neurologists can assess your symptoms and medical history and discuss appropriate migraine prevention and treatment options. Schedule your appointment today!
FAQs About Migraine Injections
What are migraine injections used for?
Migraine injections can be used to prevent migraine attacks or, in some cases, reduce the intensity of an active migraine attack. Preventive injections are taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
What types of migraine injections are available?
Injectable migraine treatments include CGRP-targeting medications such as Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality, as well as botulinum toxin injections. The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as migraine frequency, severity, symptoms, other health conditions, and medications already tried.
How does botulinum toxin help prevent migraines?
Botulinum toxin works by interrupting the pathway that transmits pain signals between the brain and nerves extending from the spinal cord. It can reduce migraine frequency and severity over time but does not relieve the pain of an active migraine attack.
What are common side effects of migraine injections?
CGRP injections may cause redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, cramps, muscle spasms, constipation, or nasal congestion. Botulinum toxin may cause headache or flu-like symptoms, eyelid or facial drooping, dry or watery eyes, or drooling.
When should I seek immediate medical attention after a migraine injection?
Immediate medical attention is needed for symptoms such as facial, throat, tongue, or extremity swelling, difficulty breathing, chest pain, flushing, hives, or rash after an anti-CGRP injection. After botulinum toxin, seek immediate care for muscle weakness, vision problems, difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing, or loss of bladder control.