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

Botox and Migraines: A Brief Overview

• Studies show that botulinum toxin treatment is effective for chronic migraines
• However, the response to treatment varies from person to person
• Botox treatments are usually administered every 12 weeks
• Injections are administered at points 31–39 in the head and neck area
• About half of patients experience significant relief from migraine symptoms following botulinum toxin treatment

Botox for the treatment of migraines

How does Botox affect 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 treatment for migraines involves the use of small doses of botulinum toxin. The doses are injected into the muscles of the head and neck according to a precisely defined protocol.

In practice, treatment is administered at several sites:

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

In addition to the muscles, the treatment targets the 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 a placebo
• the number of days with severe headaches decreased
• On average, the difference was about 1.8 days per month

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

Who is a good candidate for Botox treatment for migraines?

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

• The 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 approximately 50% in the number of episodes
• 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 is not a miracle cure for migraines, but for the right patient, it is a significant part of an effective treatment plan.
– Ville Männistö

How quickly does Botox help with migraines?

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

Typically

• The first effects will be noticeable within 1–2 weeks
• Optimal results are achieved after 2–3 treatment sessions

Treatment is usually repeated every 12 weeks.

What are patients' experiences with botulinum toxin treatment for migraines?

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

Patients often describe, for example,

• a reduction in the number of migraine days
• relief of symptoms
• greater ability to function in daily 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 rounds of injections.

Who is a good candidate for botulinum toxin treatment for migraines?

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

Treatment is generally not given if

• The patient has a specific neuromuscular disorder
• the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding
• There is an infection at the injection site
• the patient is allergic to botulinum toxin or the drug’s excipients

In some cases, botulinum toxin treatment has also been tried for other types of severe headaches. Clinical practice has shown that botulinum toxin injections also provide relief for some patients suffering from cluster headaches (Horton’s neuralgia). However, Botox is not an established treatment for Horton’s neuralgia.

Is botulinum toxin treatment for migraines covered by Kela?

Yes. Botulinum toxin is a medication covered by Kela for the treatment of chronic migraine when prescribed by a doctor. at VM Aesthetics and prescriptions are provided by Dr. Laura Juopperi. Her consultation fee is 90 euros.

Book an appointment here.

What are the side effects of Botox treatment?

The most common side effects are

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

For more information, click here: Side effects of Botox treatment.

How much does botulinum toxin treatment for migraines cost?

The cost of botulinum toxin treatment for migraines depends on the amount of botulinum toxin used, the scope of the treatment visit, and whether the medication is covered by Kela. You can find pricing information on this page, for example.

More information about Botox treatments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Botox for migraines the same as cosmetic Botox?

No. The injection sites and dosages for migraine treatment with botulinum toxin are different from those used in cosmetic Botox treatments.

How often is the treatment performed?

Treatment is usually repeated every 12 weeks or so.

Where is botulinum toxin treatment for migraines performed?

Medical botulinum toxin treatments are performed at VM Aesthetics healthcare facilities, such at VM Aesthetics.