Botox for Migraines

Updated on February 24, 2012
A.G. asks from Mansfield, TX
9 answers

I went to the neurologist yesterday, and he wants me to try Botox for migraines. I was concerned about the cost, but I qualify for insurance to cover most of the cost. Have any of you tried it? Did you have good results?

My doctor said that his patients have had incredible results, going from 15 or more migraines a month to 0-1 in 6 months. That sounds like heaven to me!

I currently have 16-17 migraines a month, and I've had them since I was 14. I'm 41 now. I also take tons of medication, and if this works, I could stop all of my medication. That would be amazing! I don't take medication for anything else. I would love to be medication free.

So, do any of you know anything about this? My consultation appointment is in late March, and then the procedure is after that. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all of the input! The doctor is a neurologist that specializes in migraines and is certified in this procedure. Here's the plan:

I go on March 27 for a consultation. Then I schedule the first treatment. I'll go back for more injections 3 months later, and then again 6 months after that. My doctor said I would likely have to do this for a couple of years, but I don't know if I'll have to go after that. It seems like I would have to. I can't imagine the migraines just going away, but I'll have more info after the consultation.

The cost varies by insurance coverage, but it's going to cost me $250 for the procedure, and $50-$150 for the medication. That's a small price to pay if it works. I'm so hopeful!

Featured Answers

C.J.

answers from Milwaukee on

I would totally try that option. I looked into in the past but found out I had horrible TMJ and once I got that under control the migraines pretty much disappeared.

Good luck, I could NEVER live with 16-17 migraines a month. You must be a "Super Woman."

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B.B.

answers from Missoula on

I work for a doctor who does Botox, and I have seen people get life-changing results from it as a migraine treatment. It doesn't work for everyone, but some people get a great deal of relief.

Talk to your doctor, ask all your questions, but then give it a try, it may make a world of difference, and it's pretty unlikely to cause any harm.

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C.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have suffered from migraines since age two. I used to have the same amount of headaches a month you have now. I think you should try everything and anything that may help.

I have to add that I found many medications caused rebound migraines, and cutting back actually decreased their frequency. That was my experience, but of course every person is different.

Trust me on this, I really, really do feel your pain, and hope you find some relief with Botox. Good luck.

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K.R.

answers from Dallas on

Good grief, go for it! I am 36 years old and pay $400 every 4-5 months for elective Botox just for aging. What do you have to lose? Get rid of the wrinkles AND help your headaches? That's a no-brainier! Good luck, hope you get some relief!

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have never hurd of that but I would do anything to try and get rid of my migraines and not have to take all the meds.

Good luck and God Bless!!!

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M.R.

answers from Seattle on

OMG, if I were having 16-17 migraines a month, I'd try anything.... I only have 2-3 a month and I think that's debilitating.

Yes, I've heard only fantastic results from using Botox. Especially if you are bothered by light and are a squinter, or a worrier and tend to wrinkle your forehead muscles, or frown a lot....then the results are amazing.

Go for it A....you have nothing to lose with that many migraines. I'd probably have tried a bullet by now.

Please let us know how it turned out for you.

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N.B.

answers from Dallas on

I get migraines too. They say normal people get 1-2 headaches a year. I pretty much wake up with a headache every day, it just depends on the severity if I take any meds. 16-17 is horrible and I totally feel for you. I've heard about botox for migraines and was interested in it, but haven't done anything. And the fact that insurance covers most of it is great. I would love an update if you decide to get it done...

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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

i've suffered migraines for years, and here is what I've been told:

make sure it is done by someone who knows what they are doing, it is a science not an art, and the placement is very different than for cosmetic reasons, that not to say you can't get a little cosmetic assistance while you are there but using botox for migraines is different than for cosmetic reasons, (my Nurse friend who does cosmetic botox gave me that advice) that being said I think there is a pretty good success rate once the right nerves are found, and botoxed, so you may have to try more than once for complete relief. I did hear of some good results out of UT Southwestern with botox in the neck/back of the head area, but I don't remember the details. as far as negative reactions, it think the risk is about the same as regular cosmetic use of botox, so in my opinion it would be worth a try, I say go for it, just be sure that the person injecting you has a lot of experience working with migraine pain not cosmetic botox.

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K.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have a new neighbor and she had the procedure done right before she moved next door. She said that she use to have migraines about every other day and could not work. She was trying the Botox for the first time. She has not had a migraine since she moved in and that was 3 weeks ago. She is a believer that the Botox really works and the cosmetic results was a huge plus.

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