Botox® Injections
Preventive treatment for chronic migraine, and targeted injections for cervical dystonia and other focal dystonias.
Botox for chronic migraine
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is FDA-approved to prevent headaches in adults with chronic migraine, meaning headaches on 15 or more days a month, with migraine features on at least 8 of those days.1 It works by calming the release of pain-signaling chemicals from nerve endings. It is not approved for episodic migraine (fewer than 15 headache days a month) or for tension-type headache.1,2
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Every 12 weeks
Treatment sessions are repeated about every 3 months.
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31 small injections
Tiny injections are given into specific muscles of the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck, and shoulders.1
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About 15 minutes
The injections take only minutes, with very fine needles.
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Track your headache days
A headache diary shows how much fewer and milder your headaches become.
- Fewer headache daysProven in clinical trials to reduce headache days in chronic migraine.2
- Takes timeFull benefit may take two or three treatment sessions, so we evaluate results after about 6 months.3
- No daily pillEach treatment lasts about 3 months.
- Works with other treatmentsCan be combined with other migraine medicines when appropriate.3
Botox for dystonia
Cervical dystonia causes involuntary contractions of the neck muscles, leading to abnormal head turning or tilting, spasms, and neck pain. Botox is FDA-approved to reduce the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain from cervical dystonia.1 Injections are tailored to the specific muscles involved, sometimes with ultrasound or EMG guidance, and are usually repeated about every 3 months.
What to expect
Before your treatment
Tell us about your medications, any muscle or nerve conditions such as myasthenia gravis, swallowing or breathing problems, and any prior botulinum toxin treatment.
During your treatment
You sit comfortably while small injections are given. Most people describe brief pinches. No numbing medicine or recovery time is needed.
After your treatment
Avoid rubbing the injection sites for a day. Effects begin within about 1 to 2 weeks. Call us right away if you notice trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing.1
Common questions
Who qualifies for Botox for migraine?
Adults with chronic migraine, meaning 15 or more headache days a month for at least 3 months. Many insurance plans also require that you have tried other preventive migraine medicines first.1
Is this the same as cosmetic Botox?
It is the same medicine, but the doses and injection sites are different and are chosen to treat migraine or dystonia, not wrinkles.
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects for migraine are neck pain and headache. A drooping eyelid or brow, or temporary neck weakness, can occur and wear off over time.1
Will insurance cover it?
Most plans cover Botox for chronic migraine and cervical dystonia when criteria are met. Our staff will handle the prior authorization.
Talk with a specialist about chronic migraine or dystonia
Our physicians will review your headache history or symptoms to decide whether Botox, or another treatment, is the right fit for you.
New pain management patients need a referral. Your provider can fax it to 870-706-2428.
Important safety information
Botox has a boxed warning: in rare cases, its effect can spread beyond the injection site and cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing, double vision, or drooping eyelids, hours to weeks after treatment. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening; get medical help right away if they occur. Other side effects include neck pain, headache, eyelid or brow drooping, and pain at the injection sites.1 Your physician will review the risks with you. Individual results vary.
Sources
- AbbVie. BOTOX (onabotulinumtoxinA) for injection, full prescribing information. rxabbvie.com
- Simpson DM, et al. Practice guideline update summary: botulinum neurotoxin for the treatment of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, adult spasticity, and headache. Neurology. 2016;86(19):1818-1826. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000002560
- Ailani J, Burch RC, Robbins MS. The American Headache Society consensus statement: update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. Headache. 2021;61(7):1021-1039. doi:10.1111/head.14153
Botox is a registered trademark of AbbVie Inc.