Botox Injections for Migraines in San Diego

Migraines aren’t just headaches. The severe pain is often accompanied by nausea, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, and dizziness. Migraines are also long-lasting, with some people dealing with the effects for up to three days. If you are one of the many people suffering from migraines, you want relief. You’ve tried medications and lifestyle changes, but neither has worked. Now, it’s time to consider Botox injections for migraines.

How Botox for Migraines Work

Your doctor will inject Botox into the pain fibers that activate your brain’s pain network. Once injected, Botox enters the fibers’ nerve endings and prevents them from sending out pain chemicals. This disables the pain network, stopping or reducing the occurrence of migraines.

Results After Botox Injections

Botox does not work immediately. It can take up to two weeks for the injections to take effect, and you might need a second injection to achieve the optimal results. Some patients experience a 50 percent reduction in migraines after the second treatment, while others stop getting migraines entirely. If you still get migraines, you can use medication in conjunction with Botox injections. However, don’t overmedicate, or you could get rebound headaches. Then you will find yourself in a vicious headache cycle.

Botox injections typically last for up to 12 weeks. Then you will need to get injections again to enjoy the benefits.

Who Is a Candidate for Botox Injections?

If you’re a migraine sufferer, you’re likely a candidate for Botox injections. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and have 15 headaches a month. Eight of those headaches must meet the criteria for migraines. Botox injections can be used to treat migraines with or without an aura.

Do the Injections Hurt?

It’s normal to wonder if Botox injections for migraines hurt. Fortunately, the treatment is relatively comfortable. Your doctor will use a fine needle to inject Botox into the head and neck. You’ll feel a small prick and possibly a slight burning sensation that goes away quickly. If you’re still concerned about pain, you can talk to your provider about using a topical anesthetic. That will numb the area, so you shouldn’t notice any discomfort during the injections. However, you might experience some slight neck pain after the injections are complete. This normally goes away within a day or two.

Paying for Botox Injections

The FDA has approved Botox injections to treat migraines, and medical insurance policies often cover the cost. Each policy has different requirements. Your doctor’s office can go over your benefits with you to see if you’re covered for Botox injections. You might need to try other treatments before your insurance company covers your Botox injections. Your doctor will explain this to you after reviewing your insurance.

Are you tired of suffering from migraines and want fast relief? You might be a good candidate for Botox injections. Alicja Steiner, MD, is a leading pain management specialist in San Diego, California, and can provide Botox injections to alleviate your migraines. Call (619) 304-1539 to schedule an appointment.