Overview
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is FDA-approved to help prevent headaches in adults with chronic migraine, defined as 15 or more headache days a month.
GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.
Treatment involves a series of small injections in the head and neck muscles, repeated about every 12 weeks. It may be considered when other preventive treatments have not worked well enough.
Watch: how Botox for Chronic Migraine works
Video: “Treating Migraines With the Help of Botox” from Baptist Health on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
How it works
Botox blocks the release of certain chemicals involved in pain signaling. Small injections are placed at standard sites in the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck and shoulders.
Who it may be for
- Adults with chronic migraine (15 or more headache days a month)
- Patients who have tried other preventive medications
- Patients without contraindications to botulinum toxin
Your exam and imaging decide whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
What to expect
- Before: headache diary and review of prior treatments.
- During: about 15 to 20 minutes of small injections in the office.
- After: no downtime. Treatment is repeated about every 12 weeks.
Recovery
You can return to normal activities right away. It may take more than one treatment cycle to judge the effect. Your instructions may differ.
Risks and side effects
Every procedure has risks. Your physician will review them with you, including:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Injection site pain
- Headache
- Eyelid drooping
- Muscle weakness
Insurance and cost
Many plans, including Medicare, may cover this treatment when criteria are met. We verify benefits before scheduling. See accepted insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How soon does Botox work for migraine?
Some people notice a change within weeks, but two treatment cycles are often recommended before judging the response.
Is this the same as cosmetic Botox?
It is the same medication, but the dose, sites and goals are different.
Is it covered by insurance?
Many plans cover Botox for chronic migraine when criteria are met. We verify benefits.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.