Botox Treatment for Migraine

Overview

Botox (a type of botulinum toxin) is a treatment that can prevent chronic migraines.

Botox injections are most commonly associated with cosmetic procedures. They work by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. In people with migraines, Botox is injected into certain muscles in the head, neck and shoulders, which connect to the nerves that become active during a migraine. The Botox blocks these nerves before they can send pain signals to your brain.

At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, our team of migraine specialists can discuss Botox treatment for migraines with you and if it is the right treatment for you. It can reduce migraine frequency and make migraine symptoms less severe.

What We Treat

Botox is used to treat chronic migraine. It is offered to people who have 15 or more headache days per month.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Botox Treatment for Migraine

If your doctor has recommended Botox treatment for migraines, you will first meet with one of our migraine specialists who will explain the procedure and its benefits and risks in detail. They will ask you about any medications you are taking as Botox can interfere with certain drugs.

The treatment involves small injections in multiple sites across seven muscle groups in the head, neck and shoulders. The injections are relatively painless, with most people feeling a slight sting. The treatment takes less than 20 minutes, and you can resume normal activities immediately. You should avoid rubbing or massaging the injection sites and avoid lying down for 4 hours after treatment. The effects of the treatment are normally felt within one to two weeks. Some patients may not see the full benefit until their second or third treatment cycle. The effects last for around 12 weeks.

Common side effects of Botox for migraines include headache, flu-like symptoms, bruising at the injection site and neck pain. These side effects are usually mild and resolve quickly.

Botox treatment for migraines is effective and can reduce their severity, duration and frequency. It can also be combined with other treatments.

If you have a bad headache following Botox, muscle weakness, signs of an allergic reaction or severe pain at the injection site, call your doctor.