Migraines Specialist

LiveWell Pain Management

Nora Taha, MD

Physical Medicine & Pain Management located in Elmwood Park, NJ & Englewood, NJ

Many studies show that Botox‌‌®‌ dramatically reduces headache frequency and improves the quality of life in people with chronic migraines. At LiveWell Pain Management, experienced physician Nora Taha, MD, provides a wide range of integrative pain management options that allow you to live free of narcotics. Call the Elmwood Park, New Jersey, office or book online today.

Botox Injections for Migraine Headaches Q & A

What is Botox?

Botox is an injectable treatment for chronic migraine headaches. When injected into specific muscles in the face and head, Botox blocks certain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which then disrupts pain signaling.

This treatment is able to prevent migraines before they begin, but it doesn't halt migraines already in progress. Botox for migraines can be performed every three months and tend to last longer with each round of injections. Studies show that after just one to two rounds of Botox treatments, the frequency of your migraine headaches can be reduced by half.

Botox for migraines is so effective that 97% of patients say they plan to continue treatment for long-term relief. Botox for migraines is usually covered by most insurances, and programs are available for financial assistance if needed.

Am I a good candidate for Botox injections for migraines?

Botox is FDA-approved for use in people 18 and older. If you have 15 or more migraines or “bad” days every month, with each migraine lasting four hours or more, you could be a good candidate for Botox for migraines.

Botox could be an excellent solution if you have frequent migraines that disrupt your life.

What is the Botox treatment process for migraines?

Dr. Taha uses a very thin needle to inject Botox in specific areas, including:

Temples
Forehead
Bridge of your nose
Back of your neck
Bottom of your scalp
Upper back

You receive up to 31 injections in these areas. Many people compare these injections to pinpricks, and most people don't experience any significant discomfort during Botox migraine treatments.

You may feel a brief sting or burning at the injection sites, but this usually fades very quickly after treatment. Dr. Taha may recommend applying ice packs to any treatment areas where soreness lingers.

Botox treatments for migraines take only about 20 minutes and are performed in the LiveWell Pain Management office.

How long does Botox prevent migraine headaches?

Botox lasts for 10-12 weeks on average. Most people schedule treatments around every three months to maximize Botox migraine prevention.

When will I notice results after Botox injections for migraines?

You may notice a reduction in migraine frequency as soon as four weeks after your first treatment. However, it may take up to six months to see the maximum effects of Botox treatment for migraines.

Does Botox interfere with other migraine treatments?

Botox doesn't disrupt other treatments, and in fact, Dr. Taha often recommends other treatments that complement Botox for migraine headaches. For example, medical Acupuncture or other natural pain management options may reduce your migraines even better than Botox alone.

If you're interested in Botox for migraines, call LiveWell Pain Management or request an appointment online today.

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