Migraine headaches affect around 2.7 million Canadians, though it’s believed many cases are unreported. This condition can be debilitating: 36% of people who suffer from migraines miss 4 – 16 days of work each year and 25% report being disabled, according to Migraine Canada.
Effective migraine remedies can significantly reduce symptoms and provide relief. Botox-based treatment is one of the most powerful, simplest medical therapies for migraine — but how does this work and what results can you expect?
Below, we’ll explore:
● Migraine symptoms and causes
● The 31-point Botox injection treatment for migraine
● Recommended treatment frequency
● Expected results
● Other techniques to prevent migraines
What is Migraine?
The most prominent migraine symptom is a strong, throbbing pain on one side of the head. Other common symptoms include:
● Increased sensitivity to sound and light
● Nausea
● Vomiting
Pain caused by migraine headaches can be so debilitating that it can leave people unable to function. They may need to take time off work, school, or leisure activities until symptoms subside. Migraine headaches can persist for hours or even days.
There are different types of migraine:
● Migraine and aura: You may see flashing lights (that don’t exist) before your migraine starts.
● Migraine with no aura: You will experience migraine symptoms without warning signs.
● Silent migraine: You won’t experience a headache, but other symptoms (such as an aura or nausea) will appear.
Migraine frequency can vary: they can be as often as weekly or can occur every few months.
What Causes Migraine?
Migraines can be triggered by various issues, including:
● Stress
● Anxiety
● Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., menstruation, menopause)
● Disrupted sleep
● Exhaustion
● Depression
● Intense exercise
● Poor posture
● Excessive alcohol use
● Dehydration
● Bright lights
● Smoking
● Flashing screens
● Specific medications (such as sleeping pills)
You may be able to reduce your risk of experiencing migraines if you avoid these triggers, though that’s not always possible.
What is the 31-Point Injection Migraine Headache Treatment?
Dr. Rohit Kumar Medical Aesthetics offers Migraine Headache Treatment. This involves 31 Botox injections targeting multiple muscle areas around the neck and head. Our Migraine Headache Treatment can help to stop migraine symptoms before they appear.
Botox will be injected into your:
● Forehead
● Bridge of your nose
● Side of your head (above both ears)
● Rear of the head (behind both ears)
● Back of your neck
● Shoulder area
The 31 injection points have been chosen carefully for maximum effect. The treatment is only performed by a highly trained, experienced medical professional for your total peace of mind. Botox is injected via a very fine needle, so you should not feel more than a slight pinch.
This procedure is usually brief: it may be completed within 30 minutes in most cases, though treatment length can vary from patient to patient. Most patients can continue with the rest of their day without needing downtime. This is ideal if you struggle to find free time away from work or family responsibilities.
How Does Botox Affect Migraine Headaches?
Botox is a form of drug known as a neurotoxin and interrupts signals which cause muscles to contract or go into spasm. Botox is typically associated with cosmetic treatments to target wrinkles and fine lines.
Botox injections can also block nerve signals that lead to painful headaches and help prevent migraine symptoms from manifesting. Your practitioner will talk you through the procedure and answer any questions you may have to reassure you from start to finish.
Patients may notice an improvement in their migraine symptoms within a couple of weeks, though it could take around one month. However, you’ll only benefit from the full effects of our Botox-based Migraine Headache Treatment after at least two sessions over six months.
How Often Will You Need Migraine Headache Treatment?
Generally, patients will require Migraine Headache Treatment every three months (for a total of four per year), though some may need them more or less frequently. This will be discussed with you during your consultation and after your first treatment.
How Else Can You Prevent Migraines?
Our Migraine Headache Treatment is a powerful way to take control and fight back against this condition. But you can take additional steps to prevent migraines or, at least, reduce their strength:
Watch Your Caffeine Intake
According to Migraine Canada, consuming caffeine regularly can increase migraine frequency. One reason is that too much caffeine is known to impair sleep, and poor-quality sleep may trigger migraines.
Migraine Canada also acknowledges that caffeine may be an effective way to stop an attack, as it boosts the effects of analgesics (e.g. aspirin).
Take Note of Potential Food Triggers
Keep track of foods you eat before migraine symptoms appear. If you experience a migraine after eating the same foods, eliminate them from your diet (or cut down) to prevent further attacks.
Try to Reduce Stress
More than 20% of Canadians reported experiencing “quite a lot” of life stress in a 2020 study, with most days being “quite a bit” or “extremely” stressful. And stress levels have increased for many Canadians since the start of the pandemic.
If you experience migraines frequently and have found stress to be a trigger, it’s vital that you try to bring your stress levels down. Consider the following techniques:
● Meditation (even for just 5 or 10 minutes a day).
● Spend more time doing activities you enjoy.
● Talk to a trusted friend, colleague, or loved one about things that make you stressed.
● Consider counselling if you struggle to reduce your stress levels.
What Other Botox Treatments are Available at Dr. Rohit Kumar Medical Aesthetics?
Dr. Rohit Kumar Medical Aesthetics offers other Botox treatments for:
● Crow’s feet around the corners of eyes
● Glabella (“angry” lines above the bridge of the nose)
● Frontalis (wrinkles on forehead)
● “Bunny” lines (formed when scrunching your nose)
● Smoker’s lines (vertical lines above the lips)
● Gummy smile (excessive gums showing when smiling)
● TMJ pain (caused by grinding teeth)
● Jawline contouring (by addressing oversized masseter muscles)
● “Marionette” lines (frown lines extending below the lips)
● Platysma (neck lines)
● Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating on hands and armpits)
Read Botox Injections: How to Know if You Need Them to find out more about these treatments.
To discuss Dr. Kumar’s Migraine Headache Treatment and additional Botox treatments, book an appointment online today!
