Absolutely! Many patients who think they have chronic sinusitis due to severe facial pressure or headaches actually often have myofascial pain syndrome or tension-type headaches.
Surprisingly, Botox injections can actually improve, and in some cases completely eliminate, these types of headaches.
Botox for Migraine
There are various studies showing that using Botox can significantly improve headaches, but ultimately these improvements vary from situation to situation.
Ten years ago, botulinum toxin was approved as the recommended treatment for chronic migraine in adults.
This applies to patients with a history of migraine headaches, who have more non-headache days per month, and who have at least eight of those headaches classified as migraine.
It has become by far the most prescribed branded treatment for chronic migraine, with over 3.3 million Botox treatments used to treat over 500,000 people.
Why is Botox effective for migraines?
More research is needed, but many doctors believe Botox is effective for migraines because it blocks neurotransmitters from sending pain signals to the brain from areas that carry tension, such as the temples, sinuses, neck, or shoulders. It also relaxes or relaxes your muscles.
If I get Botox injections for migraines, how long will they last?
Most patients see results within two to three weeks of their first treatment and maintain a consistent schedule of injections with their doctor to relieve or ultimately prevent headaches.
Because each patient's metabolism is different, the frequency with which she will need Botox injections will vary. On average, patients returned for the next round of treatment every three months (or about four treatments per year).
Can I still take my usual medication for chronic migraine headaches?
You should discuss your treatment options with your GP and Botox specialist - but in general Botox is a preventative treatment whereas your regular chronic migraine medication may be a Reactive or acute treatment.
Botulinum toxin prevents migraine headaches from developing, while acute treatment can reduce pain or shorten the duration of migraine headaches after they start.
Botox for sinus pressure and allergies
Patients with seasonal allergies may also experience some relief from Botox injections.
The same mechanism in botulinum toxin that controls the muscles under the skin can also reduce the severity of nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, the researchers found. Compared to a placebo, the results showed that Botox helped relieve itching, sneezing and nasal congestion for up to eight weeks.
This is a small study of only 34 patients, and the injection site is atypical for Botox injections so more research is warranted.
You can only receive Botox from a doctor trained in giving these injections to relieve symptoms. Additional training and experience are required, especially if the injection is not for wrinkles or other cosmetic purposes.
Quintessa providers are double board certified medical providers and are happy to answer your questions during a personal consultation.
How are Botox injections for medical reasons different from cosmetic reasons?
Botox medical grade injections are very similar to injections you may receive for wrinkle lines, and your total treatment time should not exceed 15 minutes.
A key difference, however, is that if you use Botox for medical reasons, you may receive more injections and use different injection sites.
For example, if a patient is receiving injections for migraines, doctors may use 30 to 40 injections.
That sounds like a lot, but many clients describe it as a tiny pinch or pin-prick, and most agree that it feels better than a constant migraine day after day.
Botox side effects
Patients may experience neck pain or headache immediately after treatment, and this discomfort at the injection site usually subsides within a day or so.
Other side effects are extremely rare, but you should call your doctor right away if you think you may have an allergic reaction, including: hives, shortness of breath, or swelling in your lower legs.
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