What do you need to know about migraines and botox?

We've all heard of Botox, responsible for generations of smooth foreheads in Hollywood, but Botox has also brought relief to many people suffering from chronic medical conditions. In 2010, Botox was approved for use with chronic migraines, and many patients are reporting success.

What do you need to know first? What type of headache responds best to Botox?

Botox is FDA-approved only for chronic migraines, which means headaches on 15 or more days a month. "The more frequent the headaches, the better the patient does with Botox." Botox is not recommended for patients who experience fewer than 15 headache days per month.

What is Botox and how does it work?

Botox is a form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria that causes botulism. When Botox botulinum toxin is purified and used in small doses on specific areas, it temporarily reduces muscle contractions for approximately 3 months.

Botox is injected around pain fibers that are involved in headaches. Botox enters the nerve endings around where it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. This prevents the activation of pain networks in the brain.

Botox prevents migraines before they start, but it takes time to work. A treatment course lasts 10 to 12 weeks, with patients reporting approximately 50% reduction in the number of migraines after two applications.