Botox® is the best-known form of botulinum toxin popularized for its use as a wrinkle-reducing treatment. But Botox® also has many medical uses, particularly in the field of neurology. The link between botulinum toxins and neurology was first discovered when people receiving Botox® to reduce frown lines reported that their migraines and headaches also went away. Their headaches seemed to return in the months after Botox® treatment wore off, which led experts to believe there was a connection between Botox® treatment and headache relief.
First approved by the FDA in 1989, Botox® is used to manage several neurological conditions including:
Migraine
Tension headache
Chronic neck and back pain
Facial and/or eyelid twitching
Limb spasm after stroke
TMJ
How does Botox® work for neurological conditions?
Botox® blocks the neurotransmitter release from nerve endings to muscles and allows the muscles to relax. When the muscles relax, muscle contractions and abnormal movements decrease. The effect of Botox® injections are temporary and will not permanently deactivate muscles.
Botox® is injected locally into the skin or muscle using small needles. Most patients report mild or no pain during the procedure and compare the sensation to a flu shot.
How is Botox® administered for headache relief?
Botox® is given in intervals of about 12 weeks. Your provider will administer multiple injections in the head and neck with the goal of dulling future headache symptoms. Botox® is intended to reduce the hours or even days spent in pain as a result of migraine or chronic headache.
If your headache symptoms are not improving, make an appointment with an Ogden Clinic neurologist to discuss Botox® migraine relief today.
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