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

Botox and Migraines: A Brief Overview

• Botulinum toxin treatment is a well-studied treatment for chronic migraine
• Treatment is 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 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, which are 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 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 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 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 sessions.

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

• 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 types of severe headaches. Clinical experience 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 migraines covered by Kela?

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

What are the side effects of this treatment?

The most common side effects are:

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

For more information, visit:
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 and the scope of the treatment session. Treatments are typically administered about every 12 weeks.

You can find more information about Botox treatments here.

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 healthcare facilities.