Botox has been used by plastic surgeons to treat wrinkles, but its discovery as a treatment for migraine was made by coincidence. When individuals suffering from migraines used Botox treatment to smooth out wrinkles, they noted a considerable improvement in the condition of migraine headaches and other symptoms. These patients observed that they found relief in the forehead and brows from migraine headache after Botox was injected. Thus, Botox for migraine treatment became a fascinating subject of research.

Botox: Not just a cosmetic

Botox is also known as Botulinum toxin and is a purified protein belonging to the group of compounds called neurotoxins. In 1989, Botox was approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for treating eye muscle disorders such as strabismus and belpharospasm. It is also used for treating other muscle hyperactivity disorders.

Botox works by weakening or paralyzing the muscles depending on the amount of dose taken by preventing the release of acetylcholine, a substance that is produced by contaminated food known to cause botulum. Botox is injected to the muscles in minute doses and does not get absorbed in the blood stream.

The mechanism by means of which Botox relieves migraine headache pain is not yet completely understood. Some researchers support the theory that Botox releases muscle tension by eradicating an irritation caused in the nervous system, which ultimately minimizes the chances for the development of a migraine.

Recent studies show that Botox affects the nerves that deal with signals sent for the sense of pain. Earlier scientists used to believe that swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels was the cause of pain related to migraine but now muscle tension is considered to be the most prominent factor.

Botox for migraine treatment and other considerations:

Botox has not been approved by the FDA to treat headache, so the decision to use Botox as a treatment for migraine headache should be discussed with a medical practitioner. Side effects of Botox injections and the response that your body might or might not give to it also need to be considered. A very important thing to keep in mind is that the effect of Botox lasts only for 3 months, so, the cost of the injection should be compared against the amount spend on other headache treatments for that time period.