Botox Injections
BOTOX® is a prescription drug that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes muscles. It contains a purified and safe form of botulinum toxin A, which is produced by the microbe that causes botulism. BOTOX® is FDA-approved for 11 therapeutic indications, including Chronic Migraine, overactive bladder, leakage of urine (incontinence) due to overactive bladder caused by a neurologic condition, cervical dystonia, spasticity, and severe underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis).
How does it work?
The procedure typically takes a few minutes. The provider uses a small needle to inject Botox into specific muscles with only minor discomfort.
It generally takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect. It’s best to avoid alcohol starting at least 1 week before the procedure. You should also stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications 2 weeks before treatment to help prevent bruising. Normal activities may be resumed immediately after receiving injections.
BOTOX® for Chronic Migraine
Chronic migraines are one of the most under-diagnosed and unpredictable conditions. A migraine is a severe headache that can be triggered by a number of things, including stress, weather changes, lack of sleep and much more. Symptoms include nausea, sensitivity to sound, light and smells. Chronic migraines can last for several hours at a time and can occur 15 or more times per month.
In the past, many treatment options have failed due to the unpredictable nature of the condition, and the limited number of over-the-counter pain medications available. In recent years, Botox has been gaining prominence for its ability to treat severe and frequently occurring headaches. The treatment was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as a treatment option for chronic migraines in October of 2010.
No longer only associated with eliminating wrinkles, the muscle-numbing properties of Botox have been proven successful at dulling the symptoms of chronic migraines. A Botox injection is administered every 12 weeks, with the dosage and treatment duration greatly depending on your individual needs and your doctor’s recommendations.
If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic migraines and would like to discuss Botox as a potential treatment option, visit us at Palomar Spine & Pain today. We are your San Diego North County area pain management experts and are fully licensed to administer this procedure to qualified individuals.
Common Questions
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Injection-site side effects of BOTOX are usually mild and temporary, and include the following:
Pain, Infection, Inflammation, Tenderness, Swelling, Redness, Bleeding, Bruising, Numbness, Flu-like symptoms or a general unwell feeling, Weakness in nearby muscles
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You can find additional information at these resources:
MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
WebMD
This Treatment is Good For..
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Headaches