Botox for Migraines – Effectiveness, Cost, and Experiences

Does Botox help with migraines?

Yes. Studies show that Botox treatment reduces the number of headache days in people with chronic migraine and can improve quality of life. However, the treatment does not work the same way for everyone. An individual response to treatment becomes apparent after the first Botox treatment.

Botox for the treatment of migraines

What is chronic migraine?

Chronic migraine refers to a condition in which headaches occur on at least 15 days per month and migraine features are present on at least eight days per month. Chronic migraine differs from typical episodic migraine in terms of both the number of symptoms and the need for treatment.

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

The benefits of botulinum toxin in chronic migraine have been demonstrated in several randomized trials. The average benefit is moderate, but some patients experience a response that is significantly greater than average.
(Ville Männistö)

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 not a first-line treatment for migraine. It is generally used when a patient has been diagnosed with chronic migraine and other preventive treatments have not provided sufficient relief or are not suitable for the patient.

Chronic migraine refers to a condition in which headaches occur on at least 15 days per month. The efficacy of botulinum toxin treatment has been demonstrated specifically in this patient group.

Botulinum toxin treatment may be considered, for example, when:

• The migraine has become chronic
• I have a lot of days with headaches
• Preventive medication is not effective enough
• Preventive medication causes side effects
• Other preventive treatments are not suitable for the patient

According to studies, the efficacy of botulinum toxin in episodic migraine is no different from that of a placebo. For this reason, the treatment is primarily used for chronic migraine.

Botox treatments are generally not performed if:

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

In some cases, botulinum toxin has also been tried for the treatment of other severe headache conditions. In clinical practice, some patients suffering from cluster headaches (Horton’s neuralgia) have found relief from the treatment, but botulinum toxin therapy is not an established treatment method for Horton’s neuralgia.

How much does Botox treatment for migraines cost?

The cost of Botox treatment for migraines at VM Aesthetics €290 to €690. The final price depends on whether the patient purchases the botulinum toxin medication themselves or uses the medication provided by the clinic.

• €290 – treatment using the patient's own medication
• €690 – treatment with the clinic’s medication (Botox® 200 U)

For the treatment of chronic migraine, botulinum toxin may be covered by Kela based on a doctor’s assessment. In such cases, the patient can obtain the medication from a pharmacy with a prescription and bring it to the appointment.

Treatment is typically repeated every 12 weeks, so the annual cost depends on the number of treatment sessions and whether the patient uses their own medication or medication provided by the clinic.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Botox for migraines the same as cosmetic Botox?

No. In botulinum toxin treatment for migraines, the injection sites, dosages, and treatment goals differ from those in cosmetic Botox treatments. When treating migraines, botulinum toxin is injected into the head and neck area according to a precisely defined treatment protocol.

Does Botox help with migraines?

Yes. Studies show that botulinum toxin reduces the number of headache days in people with chronic migraine and may lessen the severity of migraine attacks. However, the response to treatment varies from person to person.

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

Botulinum toxin treatment is typically used to treat chronic migraine when headaches occur on at least 15 days a month and other preventive medications have not been sufficiently effective.

How quickly does Botox help with migraines?

The first effects usually begin to appear within 1–2 weeks of treatment. The best response to treatment is often not achieved until after 2–3 sessions.

How often is Botox treatment for migraines performed?

Treatment is usually repeated every 12 weeks or so. More frequent treatment does not generally improve outcomes and may increase the risk of antibody formation.

How long do the effects of Botox treatment for migraines last?

In most patients, the effect lasts for about three months, which is why treatment is usually repeated every 12 weeks.

Can Botox completely prevent migraine attacks?

In some patients, migraine attacks may decrease significantly, but for most, the goal is to reduce the number of headache days and the severity of symptoms.

Does Botox work for regular migraines?

The research evidence particularly supports the treatment of chronic migraine. In episodic migraine, studies show that the efficacy of botulinum toxin does not differ significantly from that of a placebo.

What are the side effects of Botox treatment for migraines?

The most common side effects are tenderness at the injection site, minor bruising, and temporary neck stiffness. Serious side effects are rare.

Is botulinum toxin treatment for migraines covered by Kela?

Yes. Botulinum toxin is a medication covered by Kela for the treatment of chronic migraine, provided that the treatment is prescribed by a doctor and the eligibility criteria are met.

How much does Botox treatment for migraines cost?

The price depends on the amount of botulinum toxin used, the scope of the treatment, and any reimbursement from Kela. The final cost will be estimated during your appointment.

Can Botox treatment for migraines also help with tension headaches?

Botulinum toxin is primarily used to treat chronic migraine. The evidence for its use in treating tension-type headaches is considerably weaker, and it is not routinely used for this purpose.

Where is botulinum toxin treatment for migraines performed?

Medical botulinum toxin treatments are performed at healthcare facilities, such as VM Estetiikka, based on a doctor’s assessment.