Botox for Migraines

What is Botox for Migraines?

Botox was the first FDA-approved preventive treatment for chronic migraine headaches and is also approved by Health Canada for the treatment of migraines in adults. Since its approval, Botox A has become the foundational treatment for migraine headaches in adults. Numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness and safety. In a 108-week clinical study, participants receiving Botox experienced “8.0, 10.0, 10.5, and 11.6 fewer headache days per month from baseline at weeks 24, 60, 84, and 108, respectively”. In Dr. Gagliardi’s experience, with ongoing treatments, migraine recurrences decrease over time.

Botox for Migraines Patient Brochure.
Expectations Information Sheet.

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are a good candidate for Botox migraine treatments if:

  • You are in good general health.
  • You have been diagnosed as having chronic migraine headaches.
  • You experience 15 or more migraine headache-days per month lasting at least 4 hours per day.
  • You’ve tried migraine medications but didn’t experience relief.
  • You’d prefer a long lasting treatment every 3-6 months rather than taking medications.

Read the FAQ for contraindications.

Before the Treatment

Before a treatment, Dr. Gagliardi will provide an initial consultation to discuss your medical history, ask questions about where you experience migraine pain (each migraine sufferer’s experience is different), and determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment. The doctor will also discuss your expectations, the treatment, and what to expect post-treatment. You’ll be able to ask questions or express any concerns you may have.

During the Treatment

Dr. Gagliardi will optimize the treatment to your particular pattern of migraine. The doctor uses ultra-fine needles that minimize the discomfort of injections. If you are anxious about needles or pain, discuss your concerns with the doctor. Treatments are quick; therefore, discomfort is momentary. Most clients find treatments easily tolerated.

After the Treatment

You should be able to resume a normal routine directly after your treatment, though you should not lie down or rub the treated areas for several hours post-treatment. You may begin to experience relief from migraine symptoms within 2 weeks after a treatment. Often, patients experience more relief from subsequent treatments than they do after their first treatment.

Botox for Migraines FAQ

Are Botox migraine treatments covered by health insurance?

Most health insurance providers cover Botox treatments for migraines if you meet their criteria for chronic migraine headaches and have tried other treatments that have failed. Dr Gagliardi can discuss your headache symptoms to determine if you meet the criteria for chronic migraines. Before you make a treatment appointment, Dr Gagliardi encourages you to check with your insurance provider about coverage.

Are Botox migraine treatments safe?

There have been numerous studies that demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of Botox as a primary treatment for migraine headaches. A review of studies, found that Botox was effective, safe and well tolerated by study participants. Common short term adverse effects are usually related to the injection (bruising, tenderness at or near injection sites). Systemic adverse effects are rare.

How do I prepare for a treatment?

Tell Dr. Gagliardi what medications you are taking, especially blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve and Motrin.

Are Botox injections painful?

Botox injections are easily tolerated by the vast majority of patients. During an injection, you may feel a slight pin prick.

How long does a treatment take?

A typical Botox treatment takes 30-minutes to an hour. Much of that time is spent discussing expectations with the actual injection time being quite short.

Will I need more than one appointment to treat migraines?

One appointment should provide noticeable relief from chronic migraines for 3 months or more.

How often will I need a treatment?

Treatments are recommended every few months.

Are there any contraindications?

You should not have Botox treatments if you:

  • Have a neuromuscular disease, unless during a consultation Dr. Gagliardi determines that it is safe to do so.
  • Are pregnant, may soon become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • Are allergic or sensitive to Botox or its components.