By Many people are familiar with onabotulinum toxin A, otherwise known as Botox. In fact, according to a company that offers it, the toxin has been approved to be used in 78 countries and nearly 11 million vials of it have been sold since its inception in 2002 (1). While there are millions of people who have gotten Botox treatments to help temporarily soften their frown lines and facial wrinkles, it may now also give those who suffer from chronic migraine headaches some hope.
In June, the American Headache Society held its annual meeting in San Diego. The results of the analysis shared at that meeting pointed to the fact that Botox can reduce the number of headache days in those who suffer from chronic migraines, and it also helps to reduce the headache severity (2). The analysis used data from Phase 3 Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy.
For the research, there were 1,400 people who participated, all of whom suffered from chronic migraine headaches. The people were randomly assigned to either receive Botox treatments or a placebo. Over the course of two 12-week treatment cycles, the patients received the Botox or the placebo, and the data was gathered and evaluated. The patients received the treatment over 24 weeks, with the headache days and severity being assessed and scored.
What researchers found after the 24 weeks is that significantly more patrons in the Botox-receiving group had improvements than did those who received the placebo. Many of the people who had received the Botox treatment had found some relief for their chronic migraines.
The company that offers Botox does offer it for those who have chronic migraines, with 15 or more headache days over the course of a month, with those headaches lasting for four hours or more. It reports that patients see results after two treatments, with the injections taking about 15 minutes. Many insurance plans do cover the treatment, but as with most things, keep the side effects in mind. The side effects of Botox treatments can be neck pain, and there is the potential but rare risk of the toxin spreading from the injection site and affecting other areas of the body (3).
Those who suffer from chronic migraines may want to check into Botox treatments to see if they can benefit and find some relief. Perhaps they may reduce the severity of their headaches and reduce the frown lines all at once, really giving people something to smile about!
Sources:
1. Botox Cosmetics. FAQ. https://www.botoxcosmetic.com/FAQ
2. Clinical Pain Advisor. Effectiveness of Botox in Reducing Migraine Severity. http://www.clinicalpainadvisor.com/migraine-headache/botox-onabotulinumtoxina-
3. Botox Chronic Migraine. All About Botox. https://www.botoxchronicmigraine.com
