Migraines are one of the most common neurological disorders and are characterized by head discomfort, often on one side of the head. The condition is commonly associated with sensory disturbances, such as light sensitivity (including phone and computer screens), sound sensitivity, nausea/vomiting and brain fog.
Some people may not realize that their sinus symptoms may be the cause of their migraine. Other times, people experience migraines after head trauma, such as concussions. Barometric pressure can also cause migraine flare ups, which can be caused by hurricanes and severe low pressure weather systems, which are common in North Carolina.
Fortunately, there are plenty of FDA approved medications, supplements, therapies and devices that can be used to stop migraine attacks and prevent migraines.
“We are entering an era of robust advancement in migraine treatments,” explains Dr. Neil Bhathela, a neurologist who specializes in TBI and headaches at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina.
When traditional treatments have failed, Botulinum toxin (also commonly referred to as Botox) is a safe and effective treatment option.
This treatment option involves injecting a pre-determined number of purified Botulinum toxin into areas of the scalp commonly associated with migraines. These injections block the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain, which helps many patients experience a significant reduction in the intensity and frequency of their migraine attacks.
For sustained migraine relief, it's recommended to receive medical Botox treatments every 12 weeks. You may not notice improvement immediately, but over time, patients experience a significant reduction in headache days and therefore associated symptoms.
“Medical botulinum toxin has multiple uses, despite being commonly known for cosmetic purposes. It is always recommended to consult a neurologist when using Botulinum toxin for migraines,” advises Dr. Bhathela, who sees patients with migraines that stem from various underlying causes.
Potential candidates for medical Botox include:
- People who have 15 or more migraines a month, each lasting at least four hours
- People 18 years old or older
- People who didn’t find relief from traditional migraine treatments
Discuss with your neurologist whether you may benefit from medical Botox.
