Can Botox Help Prevent Migraine Headaches?

Botox (botulinum toxin) is a purified protein that belongs to a class of compounds known as neurotoxins. It was initially approved by the US Food & Drug Administration to treat eye muscle disorders known as strabismus and blepharospasm. Since then, Botox (botulinun toxin Type A), a prescribed nerve blocker has been widely used to ease facial wrinkles in cosmetic surgeries.

The nerves need acetylcholine to contract muscle. Using Botox can weakens or paralyzes (depending on dosage) muscles by preventing the release of acetylcholine. This is the same substance that is produced in spoiled food and causes the illness known as botulism, a fatal form of food poisoning.

Bahman Guyuron, a plastic surgeon at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has claimed that muscles in the face and neck cause migraine. The idea came about after he realized that his patients who underwent a “forehead lift” subsequently had less migraines. The idea became debatable as most headache experts believe that migraines are neurological, caused by disturbances in the brain and not by muscle tension.

However, many independent studies showed that Botox injections have relieved some migraine sufferers. The Botox is injected directly into the affected area of the brain to stop migraine pain. The doses used are much less than those that cause botulism.

In one of the clinical studies, Botulinum Toxin Type A as a Migraine Preventive Treatment, the participants reported some positive feedbacks:

• significantly fewer migraine attacks per month
• decreased severity of migraine attacks
• lesser days taking abortive/rescue medications
• fewer episodes of vomiting

The side effects were usually not intense and short. They included neck weakness and neck pain.

However, for the time being, Botox isn't used to prevent migraines as it has not obtained the approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA . In using Botox to treat migraine headaches, some questions arise such as what is the optimal dose, and where should Botox be injected to get the best results? Botox is still under medical research for now that may provide those answers in the future.

If you are thinking of Botox injections, please make sure that the doctor administering the treatment is experienced in its use. Ask the doctor the number of times he has administered Botox and the rate of success achieved.