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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