Botox for Headaches
Many hear the word “Botox” and automatically think of people that want the treatment for wrinkles. However, Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, has been studied more and more frequently as a treatment for many different types of headaches, including migraine headaches, tension headaches, and chronic daily headaches.
What is Botox For Headaches?
Conditions Related to Headaches Treated With Botox
Revelations for this use came about as many patients who had received Botox injections for cosmetic reasons reported fewer recurring headaches than before. In recent years, Botox injections have emerged as a viable treatment for headaches. Relief from headaches after Botox injections has lasted anywhere from two to six months. It is primarily used for certain types of migraine headaches.
Conclusions
There has yet to be a definitive reason why Botox injections have aided in pain alleviation, but it is thought that the Botox injection decreases muscle tension, which should then result in a positive effect on headache recurrence.
Types of Headaches Treated With Botox
To be considered a candidate for Botox injections for migraine headache, the patient must meet certain criteria. Many studies show that Botox injections work best at pain alleviation on migraine headaches that are “tight-feeling” like something is crushing the head. The injections are not as effective for migraine headaches that feel more like outward pressure in the head. Migraines that are located in the forehead and the neck have been seen to respond well to Botox injections.
The Botox injection for headaches procedure is fairly simple. The physician will inject the Botox into the neck, forehead, or shoulders, depending on where the headache presents pain.