Cosmetic treatment provides migraine relief

KANSAS CITY, MO, May 30, 2002 - Migraine sufferers are getting relief from a new treatment - Botox injections. Plastic surgeons have been using injections of the muscle relaxant Botox to smooth wrinkled brows for several years, but recent clinical studies have shown that Botox can also significantly reduce migraine frequency, migraine severity, acute medication usage, and associated vomiting.

According to Dr. Monnett surgeon at Monnett Eye & Surgery Center, it's not yet known exactly how Botox works to relieve migraines. He, and other doctors using the treatment, speculates that Botox works because it disrupts the migraine cycle of muscle spasms.
Botox is a highly purified form of botulinum toxin Type A, which is produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. When injected directly into overactive muscles, Botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes muscles to contract. The result is inhibition, or relaxation, of the muscles.

The migraine treatment involves a series of small injections of Botox in specific areas across the frontal, temporal and glabellar regions of the forehead. In some instances, it is also injected into the back of the neck. The treatment takes about five minutes and it can provide pain relief for up to three or more months.

An estimated 25 million Americans -- primarily women -- suffer from migraine headaches, which are characterized by moderate to severe pain that is often localized to one side of the head and aggravated by movement or physical activity. An attack can last anywhere from four to 72 hours and may also cause nausea, vomiting and light and sound sensitivity. The current preventive treatments are often ineffective for many patients.

"While big strides have been made in the last few years, millions of people still find that migraines exert debilitating effects on their lives," said Smith. "Botox provides new hope for those patients who haven't been able to control their migraines through traditional treatment."

Because Botox is not yet an FDA approved treatment for migraines, most insurance won't pay for the treatment. It costs between $300 and $600 for the initial and subsequent injections. However, some migraine patients could potentially be paying $1,000 a month for medication.

Botox is being studied as a treatment for a number of other disorders including cerebral palsy, cervical dystonia (involuntary muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders), post-stroke spasticity, back pain and tension headache.

If you are interested in learning more about the treatment of migraines with Botox, make an appointment online or call (800) 854-3627.