Botox Can Treat Migraine

Many people have heard of Botox as a wrinkle-reducing, non-invasive type of cosmetic surgery. Yet far fewer have heard that this wrinkle-banishing agent can actually be a treatment for severe migraine headaches. The company that makes Botox, Allergan, recently released a press statement, indicating that its product shows excellent potential for reducing the suffering for migraine patients.

Botox as a Medical Agent
After its two Phase III clinical trials, Allergan found that that among patients who suffered from 15 or more migraine headaches a month, Botox injections helped to significantly reduce the number of headache days vs. the number of headache days for those receiving the placebo.

"We are pleased with the top-line results of our Phase III clinical trials which show that BOTOX treatment provided benefit to these patients whose lives have been profoundly impacted by this severely debilitating condition," said Scott Whitcup, MD, Allergan's Executive Vice President, Research and Development. "It is gratifying to focus our research and development efforts on an indication that addresses such an important unmet medical need."

Experts estimate that between 1.2 and 3.6 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches each year. The results of the study are very encouraging, suggesting that there may be real help for these patients in the coming years. To treat migraines, the injections are generally given regularly in the forehead, temples, and even in the neck muscles.

Botox as a Cosmetic Treatment
Botox has been around even longer as a cosmetic surgery technique that does not involves knives or lasers. It is the brand name for the botulinum toxin type A, a substance that has been proven effective at reducing the effect of wrinkles and fine lines around and between the eyes. It works by essentially paralyzing the muscles temporarily that cause those wrinkles. Surprisingly this does not significantly change or inhibit your facial expressions.

The results of these injections as a non-surgical plastic surgery are visible after just a few days, but most people will need several treatments to achieve their desired look. The softened lines created by this cosmetic surgery will fade for a month and the results can last for up to four months.

When you decide to have the injections administered, make sure you do some research and select a physician who is properly licensed and has plenty of experience working with the injectable. It is best to choose a doctor who actually specialized in performing this "lunch break" procedure.

One great thing about using Botox is that is basically pain free. Just a couple of quick injections, and you can be on your way out, back to your normal daily activities with no down time. No recovery period like with a full plastic surgery face lift. Your doctor can complete the procedure in about 10 minutes or so, making it very convenient and stress free as well.

Most people are good candidates for the cosmetic surgery procedure, but those with disorders like ALS, myasthenia gravis, and Lamber-Eaton syndrome may not be the best fit. Also, most doctors will not give injections to patients if there is an infection in the area where the patient wants treated.

Talk with your doctor to make sure Botox is right for you, and if it is, you can not only use it to get relief from migraines but enjoy the benefits of fresher, younger looking skin that will wow your friends.

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