Botox Injections for Treating Migraines

According to the National Headache Foundation, "approximately 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches, and of those, 28 million suffer from migraine headaches". Every year, more than 150,000,000 days of work are lost as a result of workers which have migraines. Migraines occur when the blood vessels in the brain and head contract. For those of us who do not experience many headaches or sever headaches it is quite difficult to imagine just how it would be to have a headache everyday of our lives. Some have migraines to the extent that they cannot hold a job.

One could say that the discovery of the benefits of botox where migraine headaches are concerned originated through botox which was being used to reduce facial wrinkles. Patients who were receiving Botox treatments and were migraine suffers as well found that their migraine headaches were greatly reduced. The use of Botox, affects neurological behavior by preventing the release of acetycholine. Nerves rely on acetycholine to signal them to contract muscles. This reduces migraines as a result. Botox actually can change what is happening in the brain. The area is much localized with the use of Botox so it does not get into the blood stream as other forms of migraine treatment.

When Botox is used in the treatment of migraines and injection of Botox is placed in the forehead. One of the main causes of migrains is muscle tension. Because Botox releases this tension, migraines are greatly reduced. Case studies suggest that when patients are administered Botox for their migraines, and they become under control as a result, they may no longer need injections. Studies are still new where Botox and migraines are concerned, but as a general rule once a person's headaches are under control, patients may not need to continue with treatments.

Botox in the treatment of migrains should be limited to those who have received more traditional methods of treatment with no or little success. Botox treatments can be considered costly, but for those who spend much to treat their migraines the use of Botox can be cost efficient, as a treatment can last for up to six months.