Does Botox really work for migraines?

Does Botox Work for Migraine Headaches? In a study of adults who get chronic migraine headaches, shots of Botox cut down the total number of days they had them or even other types of headaches. They also had more “crystal-clear” — pain-free — days each month, and they reported fewer days off work.

What is the success rate of Botox for migraines?

Botox aims to reduce how often you have migraine attacks and how severe they are. Most people have at least two treatment cycles before deciding if Botox is effective. A good response to Botoxis usually a 30-50% reduction in how many headaches you have.

Can Botox for migraines make them worse?

You might get a little worse before you get better. The one side effect that we most commonly see with Botox for migraine, ironically, is increased headache pain in the days immediately following the injections. Interestingly, some patients have the opposite effect, noticing immediate pain relief.

What are the side effects of Botox injections for migraines?

Common side effects of Botox for migraine include:

redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site.
bruising.
chills.
fatigue.
dry mouth.
neck stiffness.

Does Botox affect your brain?

No, Botox isn’t known to cause side effects that affect or damage the brain. The toxin effects of Botox can sometimes spread from the area where the injections are given,* causing a condition called botulism. This condition involves widespread problems with the way nerves communicate with muscles.

Who is a good candidate for Botox for migraines?

Candidates for Botox treatment are those who experience at least 15 headache days per month, with eight meeting the criteria for migraines. The major features of migraines include moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head that worsens with activity or causes a person to avoid activity.