Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.
Skip to main content
702-936-3309 Book Online

Botulinum toxin for Chronic Migraine

Neurology Center of Las Vegas Blog Botulinum toxin for Chronic Migraine

What is the definition of chronic migraine ?

Typically, if an individual has greater than 15 migraine headaches a month, then they are given the diagnosis of chronic migraine.  Usually these individuals have suffered from migraines since childhood or teenage years.

How does Botulinum toxin work to relieve symptoms of chronic migraine?

Botulinum toxin is one of the most powerful toxins in the world.  It acts by paralyzing the muscles. It is believed that by relieving the tension in the muscles of the head and neck, symptoms of migraines are relieved.  This is a preventative treatment for chronic migraine.

Is the botulinum toxin same as the one used for wrinkles?

Yes

How is the botulinum toxin administered for chronic migraines?

Typically, a total of 155 units of botulinum toxin (type A) are used.  Botox is the most common commercially available botulinum toxin.  A total of 31 shots, consisting of 5 units each are given at various sites including the forehead, multiple sites in the side and back of the head, neck and shoulder muscles.

How long do the effects last?

The effects last 3 months. Botulinum toxin injections are given every 3 months.

Are there any side effects?

Potential side effects include eyelid drooping, neck muscle weakness.  These are rare.  Similar to be beneficial effects, the side effects also go away in 3 months.

How efficacious is this for chronic migraines?

I have had a 60-70% success rate.  Most of the patient have a greater than 50% reduction in headache frequency and intensity.

Is this covered by insurance?

We usually get authorization from the insurance companies.  Depending on the plan, they may have co-pay.  

 

 

 

 

 

Author
Shanker Dixit MD, FAAN Dr. Dixit is a board certified neurologist practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has over 25 years of experience treatment of neurological conditions. He has also done extensive research and has several scientific publications to his name. He did his neurology residency at the University of Wisconsin , Madison Wisconsin. He was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of neurology, a prestigious honor, in 2017

You Might Also Enjoy...

Ambulatory EEG
Ambulatory EEG in general and how to prepare for this procedure. Ambulatory EEG What is an ambulatory EEG test? This test is similar to that of the EEG monitoring test records the patterns of electrical changes both normal and abnormal,...

Our Services
Dr. Shanker Dixit’s Neurology Center of Las Vegas offers electronic check-in, treatment options for a variety of diagnoses, cutting edge procedures (backed up by electronic health records) and medical legal services: Diagnoses Dementia Epilepsy Headache

Evoked Potentials
Evoked Potentials, sometimes called Evoked Responses, are tests that record the brain’s response to sounds, touch, and light. These tests help to evaluate a number of neurological conditions.

Carotid Ultrasound
Carotid Ultrasound is a painless and harmless test that uses a high frequency sound wave to create pictures of the insides of the two large arteries in your neck. These arteries, called the carotid arteries, supply your brain with oxygen rich blood.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
A TCD uses ultrasound waves to measure the blood flow rate and direction in the mail cerebral arteries of the brain. It helps detect blockages, narrowing, or spasms of the arteries. TCD is non-invasive and has no risks.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) & Electromyography (EMG)
Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography are two separate tests that are usually done one after the other. Preparation for this procedure: No children please. Please be on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late your test may be rescheduled.