Migranes
Migraines are estimated to effect 25% of the population. Botulinum toxin was licensed specifically for the treatment of chronic migraine in July 2010 by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Chronic migraine can be defined as headaches occurring on greater than 15 days of the month, of which at least half have features of migraine.
It is not fully understood how and why botulinum toxin works for migraines although there are several theories such as inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters therefore reducing the nerves ability to send pain signals during the migraine or the toxin relaxes the muscles around the head and therefore reduces blood pressure within the brain.
Studies have shown that 47% of patients had a 50% or greater reduction in the number of headache days.
Procedure
A thorough consultation and evaluation of medical history to deem suitability for the procedure will be conducted. The treatment itself will involve 30 -40 small injections of botox into 7 specific muscles around the head and neck. Muscles are targeted equally and symmetrically therefore also giving the additional aesthetic effect of softening or erasing wrinkles.
Side Effects
As with all injections, there can commonly be some redness and tenderness at injection sites which can last up to 72 hours. Occasionally, clients may experience a mild headache for up to 48 hours and there may be a small risk of bruising at injection sites.
Results
Results usually last 3-6 months and can take up to 2 weeks to take effect.