Many people find it challenging to differentiate a migraine from a headache because of the close resemblance of the symptoms. Migraines are a medical condition associated with an extreme headache that is recurring and can last for hours. Sometimes the patient experiences vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
Some of the symptoms associated with migraines include fatigue, bloating, food craving or lack of appetite, changes in moods, constipation or diarrhea, severe thirst, and sensitivity to light. Migraines are triggered by hormonal changes, medications such as sleeping pills, emotions such as stress, dietary factors such as alcohol, and environmental factors such as flickering lights. Here are some ways in which Botox is useful in the management, control, and treatment of migraines:
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1. Botox reduces migraines frequency
When a patient is diagnosed with migraines, Onabotulinum treatment is administered to the patient for Botox to reduce the frequency of migraines. The Botox injection in the patient’s body helps counter the frequency or severity by blocking the flow of information from the motor nerve to the muscle. The procedure takes effect in a few days. Botox will reduce the pain that signals in migraine. It has been proven that Onabotulinum minimizes the frequency of migraines up to 50% on average.
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2. Botox decreases the length of a migraine
When Botox is injected around someone that is experiencing a severe headache, it enters the nerves surrounding the area that it is injected and blocks the release of chemicals associated with pain signal transmission. The presence of Botox in the patient head prevents the activation of the pain networks in the brain, and thus Botox cuts down the total number of migraine days.
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3. Botox blocks neurotransmitter or the pain signals
When Botox is locally injected into the patient’s body in small amounts, Botox blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters pain signals by interfering with the ability of the muscle to contract. Botulinum neurotoxins are microbial proteins that inhibit specifically and with high potency, releasing the pain signals from the peripheral nerve terminals. The blockage of the pain signal ensures that the patient is free from severe pain after using Botox.
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4. Botox treatment for migraines
For the treatment of Migraines, you will need several shots of Botox injections around your head for 12 weeks. The injections will dull or prevent migraines from deteriorating your health. In total, you might require 30 to 40 shots with one shot being administered every 12 weeks. If the patient is experiencing a migraine in a particular spot; they may need more shots in that location. With proper treatment, you might start seeing results after three weeks after the first treatment.
You should find a migraine specialist who is trained to administer these shots for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches. Following the routine, for treatment, you will be able to experience an improvement in the management of migraines.
