Migraines are debilitating and painful events that can ruin our day or even our week. If you have tried to control migraines but were unsuccessful, you may want to consider giving Botox injections a try.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved botulinum toxin injections to treat chronic migraines and other headache disorders since 2010, and many have benefited from this treatment.
If you are considering seeing a neurologist for Botox injections to relieve your migraines, schedule an appointment at Virgin Islands Neurology today! Our specialists located in the U.S. Virgin Islands look forward to helping you resolve your discomfort.
Researchers have not pinpointed the exact way Botox injections work to treat chronic migraines. However, the evidence suggests that the drug interferes with the transmission of pain signals along the central nervous system and the peripheral nerves.
Whenever you get a migraine, your body releases substances called neurotransmitters and other molecules linked with pain. It is understood that botulinum toxin interferes with the transmission of these substances. When botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles of the head, face, and neck, it interferes with the pain signals that cause headache pain.
Botox injections have proven safe and effective for migraine patients who suffer from both episodic migraine headaches (14 or fewer migraine days per month) and chronic migraines (15 or more migraine days a month).
You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or nursing your child. You should also avoid these injections if you have an allergy to the protein in cow’s milk.
If you think you will make a good candidate, book an appointment with the neurologists at Virgin Islands Neurology today!
Your neurologist will use a small needle to inject the botulinum toxin into the muscles under your skin. The injection sites may include the forehead, temples, back of the head, upper neck, and shoulders. They will focus on specific trigger points—areas of muscle tension that often cause migraines.
You will usually start to benefit from the injections after a few weeks of treatment. Many have experienced fewer headache days in the month. Not only may you experience a reduction in headache frequency, but the severity of your headache pain can also be reduced.
Some patients may be able to stop the treatment after a few weeks without the migraines returning, while others may need to continue with the treatment for more extended periods.
Botulinum toxin injections are relatively safe when administered by an experienced and qualified healthcare specialist. There is a possibility that you will have some pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
There is also a small chance that you will experience the following side effects:
It is very unlikely that the toxin will spread within your body. However, if it does, you will need to get medical assistance straight away. Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms in the hours or days after a treatment:
If you are considering trying Botox to help treat your chronic migraines, schedule an appointment at Virgin Islands Neurology today! Our specialists located in the U.S. Virgin Islands look forward to helping you get the results you are looking for.
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