Botox Injections for Chronic Migraines

How many injections does each treatment involve and what are the areas injected?

Each treatment involves 31 injections (5 Botox units per injection , for a total of 155 units). Areas injected include the forehead, the temples, the bridge of the nose. The back of the head, the neck, and the upper back.

Is the procedure painful?

A very small needle is used to do the injections and the injection itself is not painful. Botox mixed with salt water (Saline) can produce a brief burning sensation at the injection site.

When can I expect improvement?

You may experience improvement of your headache within 10- 14 days after the first session. Patients with a good response after the 1st treatment may respond quite well when treatment is repeated.

What are the side effects of the procedure?

The most common side effects are pain, stiffness and partial weakness in the injected muscles. These usually resolve within days and weeks. Less common side effects include a temporary drooping of the eyelid and rarely flu-like symptoms.

How often should I have injections?

The treatment can be repeated every 3 months. In clinical practice, it appears some patients receiving Botox will improve to the point where injection might not be needed.

How long will the procedure take and how will I feel afterward?

It takes about 10- 15 minutes to do the procedure. You should be able to immediately resume your routine activities. You may feel small “bumps” over your forehead which will resolve within hours. The injection may precipitate a headache that can vary in intensity.