Migraine headache treatment

Treatment

micro injections to relieve tension by relaxing muscles

Recovery

instant

Longevity

3-4 months

Which Migraine type can be cured with Botox/Dysport/Xeomin?

A migraine headache can be cured very effectively with Botox®/Dysport®/Xeomin. Certain migraine headache types respond better to these injectables than others.

Those whose headaches are described as imploding (vise-like, squeezing, crushing, etc) have a much higher response rate to Dysport®/Botox®/Xeomin injections (80%) than those whose headaches are described as exploding in nature (15%).

Headaches due to muscle spasms (especially in the back neck region) respond well too, as well as most types of tension headaches.

Migraine Headaches in certain areas do not respond well to these injections, including the top of the head, cheeks, between the eyes, and immediately behind the ears.

Which areas respond well to Injections –

Areas that generally respond well to injections include the forehead and the back of the neck regions. The temple areas have mixed results (some patients respond well, whereas others do not). The jaw muscles are also amenable to Dysport®/Botox® injection due to TMJ pain.

How are Botox® injections performed in treating Migraine?

Generally speaking, the Botox®/Dysport® injections are performed not only in the area of the distribution of one’s headaches on one side but also on the opposite side even if there is no pain (fixed-site strategy). Why?

Well, experience has shown that injecting only on the side where the headaches are located will result in the appearance of migraine headaches on the opposite side. Injecting both sides prevents this switch from happening.

Which regions are injected to effectively treat a Migraine –

There are 4 general regions that are injected:

  • Glabellar (right above and between the eyebrows)
  • Forehead
  • Temples
  • Upper Neck.

Results after the treatment –

After injection, there is a SLOW reduction in the severity and frequency of migraine headache attacks, resulting in a decreased need for medications (if at all) over time. As such, it may be up to 2 months before the benefit of Dysport®/Botox® for Migraine headaches may be realised by the patient.

How long the Results of Botox®/Dysport®/Xeomin last in treating Migraine –

Repeat injections are required every 3-4 months to maintain the benefits, as Dysport®/Botox® wears off by then. Although the maximum benefits occur when used prophylactically (treatment to prevent future attacks), it can also be used in the acute setting, though not as successfully.

Dysport® is a prescription medicine containing Clostridium Botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines and excessive sweating. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Cautions: people with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling or nausea or compensatory sweating in other skin areas. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure. A charge applies. Dysport® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation.

BOTOX is a prescription medicine containing 100 units of Clostridium Botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of severe frown lines and associated ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialists about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Cautions: people with neuro-muscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning sensation or redness at injection site, temporary local muscle weakness including eyelid droop, decreased sensation and nausea. If you have side effects or concerns, talk to your doctor. A charge applies. Allergan Pharmaceutical, Auckland.

Xeomin® is a Prescription Medicine containing 50, 100 LD50 Units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of frown lines on the forehead in adults. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine. Xeomin treatment lasts about four months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Cautions: Generalised disorders of muscle activity; Infection or inflammation at the proposed injection sites, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects: headache, pain, swelling or infection at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eye lids, lack of feeling & nausea. You will need to pay for this medicine. Discuss with your specialist if Xeomin is right for you. For more information or for a copy of CMI please contact the NZ distributor: NZMS Ltd: 2a Fisher Crescent, Mt Wellington, Auckland, Ph 09 259 4062.TAPS NA7621.

If you are interested in learning more about Dysport®/Botox®/Xeomin® use for any of these treatments, please contact Beautiphi on 022 3837 968 to schedule a consultation with one of our Cosmetic Medicine Nurses.