Migraines affect around 12% of the US population, but most sufferers only have one or two episodes per month.
Around 4% of migraine victims suffer from what is referred to as chronic migraine, meaning they have migraines more than 14 days per month. Some chronic migraine sufferers have daily migraines.
Since around 90% of victims cannot function normally during a migraine, chronic migraine can be a very debilitating condition. BOTOX®, the well-known treatment for wrinkles, was approved by the FDA in 2010 to treat chronic migraines.
How Does BOTOX Work?
BOTOX® blocks transmission of nerve signals to muscles. It works to cure wrinkles by preventing muscles from contracting and pulling on the overlying skin.
Most wrinkles and creases are caused by repetitive pulling by the underlying muscles. When BOTOX® is used to block the muscles from contracting, the wrinkles and creases smooth out.
Mechanism of Action
The etiology of chronic migraine is unclear. BOTOX® Therapeutic used to treat chronic migraine is thought to inhibit the release of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the trigeminovascular system.
The trigeminovascular system consists of nerves that originate from the trigeminal nerve that innervate blood vessels in the brain.
Abnormal contractions and dilation of these blood vessels are thought to be involved in the symptoms of migraines.
Also, BOTOX® has been shown to be able to block transmission of neurogenic pain and reduce neurogenic inflammation, and both of these mechanisms are also thought to be involved in the development of a migraine attack.
Evidence
Two large randomized placebo-controlled studies demonstrated the efficacy of BOTOX® in treating chronic migraine. The treated subjects experienced fewer headaches per month, had shorter headaches, and had less severe headaches.
A study examining long-term treatment with BOTOX® reported that after 2 years, patients had more than 50% fewer headache episodes and had significantly reduced their use of pain medications and other medications used to treat and prevent migraines.
What About Non-Chronic Migraines?
Most studies suggest that BOTOX® has only a modest effect on migraine frequency and severity in sufferers who do not have chronic migraines.
However, there is significant individual variation in response to the treatment, with a certain percentage of patients experiencing significant benefit from it.
The Treatment
When given to treat chronic migraine, the patient is administered BOTOX® injections into specific sites on the face and neck. The injections may need to be repeated every 12 weeks. Tiny needles are used to perform the injections to minimize discomfort.
If you’re suffering from migraines, make an appointment today with Pender Medi Spa.
