Botox and Migraines – How Botulinum Toxin Treatment Helps with Chronic Migraines

Botox and Migraines: A Brief Overview

• Botulinum toxin therapy has been studied as a treatment for chronic migraine.
• Treatment is usually performed every 12 weeks.
• Injections are given at 31–39 points in the head and neck area.
• Approximately half of patients experience significant relief from treatment

Botox in the treatment of migraine

How does botulinum toxin work for migraines?

In addition to the neuromuscular junction, botulinum toxin also affects pain pathways. It reduces the release of neurotransmitters at nerve endings, which can dampen the transmission of pain signals.

Botulinum toxin therapy for migraine involves the use of small doses of botulinum toxin, which is injected into the muscles of the head and neck at precisely defined injection sites.

In practice, the treatment is administered at several injection sites:

• on the forehead
• on the temples
• the back of the head
• the neck and shoulder area

The treatment targets the muscles and nerve endings involved in the development of headaches.

What do the studies show?

Two large-scale PREEMPT studies (involving over 1,300 patients) provide key evidence for the use of botulinum toxin therapy in the prevention of chronic migraine. In these studies:

• The number of days with headaches decreased more than with the placebo
• the number of days with severe headaches decreased
• On average, the difference was about 1.8 days per month

Based on studies, it can be concluded that Botox has a real effect, though not a dramatic one.

Who is Botox treatment for migraine suitable for?

Botulinum toxin is not a first-line treatment. It is considered when

• my migraine has become chronic
• There are plenty of scenes
• Preventive medication is not enough or is not suitable

According to studies, the efficacy of botulinum toxin in episodic migraine is no different from that of a placebo.

What should the patient understand?

A realistic goal for migraine preventive treatments is

• a reduction of about 50% in seizures
• relief of symptoms

Botox may provide some relief. For some patients, the response is clearly better than average, but the predictive factors are not yet known.

“Botox isn’t a miracle cure for migraines, but for the right patient, it can be a significant part of an effective treatment plan.” – Ville Männistö

How quickly does Botox help with migraines?

The effects of botulinum treatment do not begin immediately after the injections.

Typically

• the first effects are felt within 1–2 weeks
• best results are achieved after 2–3 treatments

Treatment is usually repeated every 12 weeks.

What are patients' experiences of botulinum toxin treatment for migraine?

Botulinum toxin treatment has long been used to treat chronic migraine.

Patients often describe, for example

• reduction in the number of migraine days
• relief of symptoms
• better functioning in everyday life
• less need for emergency medication

However, the treatment does not work equally well for everyone, and its effectiveness is usually assessed after a few treatment sessions.

Who is botulinum toxin treatment suitable for?

Botulinum toxin treatment is usually used when a patient has been diagnosed with chronic migraine and other preventive medications have not been sufficiently effective.

Treatment is not usually given if

• you have a specific neuromuscular disorder
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• there is an infection at the injection site
• you are allergic to botulinum toxin

In some cases, botulinum toxin treatment has also been tried for other severe types of headache. Clinical work has shown that some patients with cluster headaches (Horton's neuralgia) have found relief from botulinum toxin injections. However, this is not an established treatment method.

Is botulinum toxin treatment for migraine covered by Kela?

Yes. Botulinum toxin is a drug covered by Kela for the treatment of chronic migraine when prescribed by a doctor.

What are the side effects associated with treatment?

The most common side effects are:

• mild tenderness at the injection site
• small bruise
• temporary neck stiffness

For more information, please visit:
Side effects of Botox treatment.

How much does botulinum toxin treatment for migraine cost?

The price of botulinum toxin treatment for migraine depends on the amount of botulinum toxin used and the extent of the treatment. The treatment is usually performed approximately every 12 weeks.

You can find more information about Botox treatments here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is migraine Botox the same as cosmetic Botox?

No. The injection sites and doses for botulinum toxin treatment of migraine are different from those used in aesthetic Botox treatments.

How often is the treatment performed?

Treatment is usually repeated approximately every 12 weeks.

Where is botulinum toxin treatment for migraine performed?

I perform botulinum toxin treatments in, for example,
Helsinki,
Tikkurila,
Tampere,
Pori, and Forssa.