You’ve likely heard of BOTOX®. Whether you’ve had it yourself to treat fine lines and wrinkles or simply know of the procedure from pop culture, unless you’ve willfully avoided the word it’s hard to be ignorant about the basics of this procedure.
Still, not everyone is aware of the medical benefits that Botox offers. In addition to treating wrinkles, BOTOX® is also used for migraine relief and problems of severe perspiration.
Let’s take a step back and review the science of BOTOX® itself:
An injectable, BOTOX® is a Neurotoxin; Botulinum toxin is the active ingredient in Botox. In the 1950s, scientists discovered that Botulinum toxin, a naturally occurring Neurotoxin, decreased muscle activity by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. With the injected muscle unable to contract, the treated area was forced to relax and soften. The effect lasted months.* And thus,BOTOX® as we know it was born.
Now, let’s do the same for migraines:
A recurring psychological experience, migraines are a type of headache that can cause debilitating pain that lasts for hours or days. The extreme headaches are often preceded by a myriad of prodrome symptoms including (but not limited to) sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, shifts in vision, tinnitus, and the inability to speak clearly. It’s important to note that a lot of the symptoms caused by migraines come from the nervous system.
That’s where BOTOX® is able to help. Time to connect the dots.
In 2010 BOTOX® was officially approved for the treatment of chronic migraines (chronic defines as 15 or more headache days per month). In fact, the more frequent the migraines, the more effective BOTOX® as a treatment.*
The injectable is inserted around the pain fibers of where the migraine is localized — once injected the BOTOX® enters the nerve endings and blocks the release of chemicals that transmit pain. This blockage means that the nerve endings are unable to report the pain to the brain, making it an impactful preventative method.
However, although the treatment itself is simple and takes only a few minutes, it doesn’t work immediately.* Traditionally, for migraine treatment, you’ll need up to three sessions before the results are maximized.* After a few injections, your migraines reduce by up to 50%.*
If you suffer from migraines, this may be the solution for you. Get the relief you deserve and give us a call: 256-355-5585.
