Migraine Treatment
Although botox application first recalls a cosmetic application, it has been used effectively in the field of medicine for treatment for years. It's also used easily and effectively to treat migraine disease, which has become a nightmare for many people.
What is Migraine?
Migraine is an intense form of headache that usually occurs in attacks. In some cases, it may accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea or vomiting.
What are the symptoms of migraine?
Migraine pain usually manifests itself as throbbing pain. It may occur in one part of the head, the temple, the nape, the forehead or it may be felt in the entire head. It may be moderately or extremely severe. It may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and dizziness. The patient may develop sensitivity to smell, change in appetite and tendency to eat sweets. It also has psychological symptoms such as irritability, depressive mood, etc.
Causes of Migraine
Causes of migraine are genetic, central, neuronal and vascular. In addition, biochemical and physiological risk factors cause one to develop a predisposition to this disease. It is caused by changes in nerves and vessels in the brain. When an attack is triggered, the migraine producing region in the brain activates, causing dilation of blood vessels and inflammation of the nerves. Then, migraine occurs when the trigeminal nerve in the brain is activated.
How is Migraine Diagnosed?
In order to make a diagnosis of migraine, it is necessary to make sure that there is no other problem that causes headache in the patient. For this reason, history and frequency of pain, how long it lasts, presence of other findings and neurological examination should be evaluated.
How is migraine treated?
Depending on the frequency and severity of the pain, regular medications or instant pain relievers may be used. In severe cases, regular medications do not have analgesic properties and aim to prevent an attack by affecting the brain. Those frequently taking painkillers may experience negative effects on the organs such as stomach and kidney. Today, botox treatment, which is a safe and effective method, is also commonly applied. Regular sleep, regular nutrition, relaxation techniques and exercise are also recommended as support treatments of migraine.
Migraine Treatment with Botox
Botox, which is well known for its muscle relaxant effect, has been successfully used in the treatment of migraine pain due to its ability to inhibit neurotransmitter release at the nerve endings, where it is applied.
How is Botox Applied in Migraine Treatment?
In Botox treatment, a fine tip syringe is used to administer botox subcutaneously at 31 points on the forehead, both temples, neck and shoulder.
To which regions is botox applied in migraine treatment?
Botox treatment method in migraine disease by injection of botox into the nerve endings in the nape, forehead, temple and neck provides positive results.
Who can have this procedure?
Botox can be administered to all people with chronic migraine, except children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Who cannot have this procedure?
Those with a neurological disorder that would prevent botox application, and pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot have this procedure.
Is it a permanent method?
In some cases, the injection should be repeated for the continuity of the positive effect, while in some cases, the positive effect continues for several years. Upon the decision of a specialist, additional doses can be applied to the required areas and successful results can be achieved and the patient's chronic migraine can be permanently resolved.
How often is it repeated?
Botox injections are administered once every three months in the first year in the treatment of chronic migraine. The subsequent injection times are planned according to the patient's needs.
Does it have any side effects or does it cause any harm?
On rare cases, side effects that may occur include swelling, redness and tenderness. Cold compress can be applied during application to prevent swelling and pain. It does not cause any permanent harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Botox begin to be used in the treatment of migraine?
It was noticed that migraine patients who had botox application for removal of facial wrinkles had a significant reduction in headache after the application. Based on scientific evidence from previous research, the use of botox injections for treatment of chronic migraine in patients was approved in the USA and the UK in 2010 and in Turkey in 2011.
What are the triggers of migraine attacks?
It is important for a patient to identify his or her own migraine triggers, as they may vary by individual. Certain foods, hunger, dehydration, little or too much sleep, strenuous exercises, long journeys can trigger migraine pain. The most common triggers of migraine include environmental factors such as bright lights, sharp smells and climate changes, emotional and psychological factors, hormonal changes.
Is botox treatment of migraine a painful procedure?
Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered and very fine tip needles are used to perform the procedure so the patient will have n aches or pains during this procedure.
How does botox treat pain in chronic migraine?
In chronic migraine, botox blocks chemical transmitters that are released from nerve endings and cause pain, preventing the activation of pain pathways from the nerve endings under the skin to the central nervous system and controlling the pain before reaching the brain.
Is it necessary to stay in hospital for treatment of migraine with botox?
The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes and does not require hospital stay. You may resume normal daily activities after the procedure.
