Botox® for Migraines

BOTOX® FOR CHRONIC MIGRAINES

Botox® is a treatment option for adults with chronic migraine. Botox® (onabotulinum toxin A) was licensed specifically for the treatment of chronic migraine in July 2010 by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Botox® has not been shown to be effective for any other headache type (e.g. episodic migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache) as yet. Contact us today to book a botox injectables consultation for migraine treatment at Wellington’s doctor operated appearance medicine clinic Vital Face & Vein.

HOW DOES BOTULINUM TOXIN WORK IN CHRONIC MIGRAINE?

The simple answer is that we don’t know fully. A recent US study by Rami Burstein using animal models suggested that botulinum toxin inhibits pain in chronic migraine by reducing the expression of certain pain pathways involving nerve cells in the trigeminovascular system. The trigeminovascular system is a sensory pathway thought to play a key role in the headache phase of a migraine attack.

Unlike many of the other conditions in which it is used, it is not thought to work by relaxing overactive muscles. Botulinum toxin has been shown to reduce pain in a number of disease states, including cervical dystonia, neuropathic pain, lower back pain, spasticity, myofascial pain, and bladder pain.

More research into the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin will hopefully shed light into all the pathways that it acts upon.

BOTOX®

BOTOX® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin type A for injection. Dysport® is a Prescription Medicine containing 500 units of Clostridium botulinum toxin type A toxin haemagglutinin complex for injection. Used for the treatment of frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet, And for the treatment of severe primary hyperhidrosis of the axillae. They should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure. Cautions: People with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at the site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, injection site pain, burning, stinging, bruising, swelling, redness, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids, eyebrows, eyelid swelling, skin tightness, tingling sensations, aching or itching forehead, nausea and flu-like symptoms. For hyperhidrosis, it can include a perceived increase in sweating in areas other than the underarms, pain at the injection site, pain, hot flushes and transient arm weakness. If you have any side effects or concerns, speak to your doctor. You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal Doctor’s visit fees apply. Note: BOTOX® and DYSPORT® facial treatments last about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Hyperhidrosis treatment lasts about 7.5 months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your situation.
TAPS APPROVAL NO: PP1895
BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. Allergan Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 85 000 612 831, 77 Ridge Street, Gordon, NSW 2072.
Allergan New Zealand Ltd, PO Box 1873 Auckland 1000, New Zealand
DYSPORT ® is a registered trademark of New Zealand Medical and Scientific Ltd, PO Box 132400, Sylvia Park, Auckland

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Book a consultation with Wellington’s doctor operated appearance medicine clinic Vital Face & Vein.