Should You Get Botox for Migraine?

Botox is used to treat chronic migraine in Canada and some other regions worldwide. Although it was primarily used for cosmetic purposes in the past, it has become a standard treatment for migraine today. Botox blocks sensory nerves and chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain.

The primary purpose of administering Botox for migraine is to improve the frequency and intensity of migraines. According to studies, nearly 50 percent of patients achieved this goal after six months of treatment with two sets of injections. How should you determine if you need Botox for your migraine pains?

Consult a Medical Professional

A medical professional that understands how to determine the level of intensity of a migraine can determine if Botox is the right treatment for you. Many clinics offering Botox therapy for migraine are likely to be well-versed about the condition and possible treatments. The medical professionals at GraceMed, a Toronto Botox clinic has sufficient knowledge and tools to help you understand if Botox is suitable for you.

Consulting a credible clinic allows you to understand better how the treatment works, prepare, and whether you’re a suitable candidate. Whether or not you will benefit from Botox depends on the severity of your pain, overall health, and expectations from the treatment.

Track Your Migraine Patterns/Triggers

Keeping track of your migraine patterns or triggers can also help you identify whether Botox is necessary for your condition. Note down every time you get a migraine and describe your surroundings and current state. Does your pain appear when you’re in a noisy environment? Do you notice pain before bedtime? Is there anything in particular that makes your migraine worse?

Understanding your triggers can help you calm down the pain by avoiding certain conditions that worsen the pain. The observations can also help a medical professional make a better decision about the right treatment for you when you visit them for a consultation.

Observe Migraine Side Effects

You may experience some of the symptoms or side effects of migraine as it occurs or some time ahead. Some migraine attacks can result in side effects, such as intense throbbing, nausea, changes in vision, or sensitivity to light, noise, or odours.

Observing your side effects helps you eliminate specific triggers or prepare for the next migraine based on the symptoms.

Medications Aren’t Effective

Many medications are available for migraine, and most of them provide a temporary solution. When migraine medications prescribed by your doctor are no longer effective, you may need to consider a more substantial treatment, such as Botox.

Although Botox doesn’t affect every patient equally, it has been used in Canada to treat migraine for over 30 years after being approved by Health Canada. The positive results in many patients allow the treatment to be an effective solution for migraine.  

Migraines can be challenging to handle, especially when the pain is intense and frequent. Finding out whether Botox is suitable for you can increase your chances of reducing your migraine pains.