How Botox Injections Help Chronic Migraine

You've probably heard of Botox before, the medication that tightens skin and gets rid of wrinkles. But did you know it could help those who have migraine or get migraine headaches? Here's what you need to know. Botox is a type of chemical called a neurotoxin. Injected in specific places in very small doses, it can keep nerves from releasing chemicals that signal pain.

Botox is FDA approved, but only for those who have chronic migraine headaches, in other words, for people who have headaches for 15 or more days out of the month. The procedure is quick. It should only take about 20 minutes. Your doctor will use a small needle to inject Botox into the muscle beneath your skin. You'll get 31 injections into your neck and head.

Each shot feels like a little pinprick. This will help you have fewer migraine headaches. A treatment lasts for 10 to 12 weeks. But it takes time for Botox to work. It may take up to six months for you to experience the full benefit of Botox treatments. But you'll still need to take your usual migraine medication in the meantime.