Botox for migraines?

[ClaphamCate]

Looking for advice and experience around Botox for migraines. I’m abroad and have been offered it for chronic migraines that are getting much worse as I approach the menopause. I’m usually fairly stoic about medical things, but this has thrown me for a loop! I’ll be receiving something like 32 tiny jabs to the face (from an neurologist) and neck which seems like a lot.

I’m worried it will be painful and I’ll be all swollen up. I’m also worried about it triggering an intractable migraine (google tells me this can happen??) but where I am I have to try this before I can have the CGRP medications. I’m keen to hear any real life experience, thanks 💐

Gosh that’s a crazy amount, I receive around 12 injections and within two days migraines have gone. I repeat when I start to feel them return. It’s been life changing.

Thank you, this is the standard protocol where I am (via neurology.) I’m terrified! A lot along the hairline on the forehead and also in the back pf
the hairline and neck. It is given every three months.

I have it and it’s life changing. I don’t find it painful, more of a momentary ouch and far less painful than a migraine.

Me too. Doesn’t hurt too much. Sometimes have a wee bruise on one of the forehead ones but I’m a redhead and bruise easily. Absolute game changer. No real swelling. Can’t wash your hair for 24 hrs. I get 33 every 12 weeks. However takes no longer than 5 mins for the injections. It’s the blether with the nurse that fills my appointment time. I get half the migraine I used to get and manage the ones I get better. Less severe on average.

It’s not filler. I’ve not had it for migraine but you don’t swell up at all… it’s a tiny tiny amount injected. And the pain is like a slight sting/scratch. No big deal.

I have chronic migraine disorder, caused my post SIH (spontaneous intercranial hypertension). I had spinal surgery to repair my leak last October but still left with nervous system stuck in pain…. I have just had my 3rd round of Botox with neurologist. I have 35 injections, head, neck and shoulders. I had never had Botox and it’s the only thing that brings me respite, I absolutely recommend. I have been having every 12 weeks, but may be moving to 10 dependent on this round, as takes me a week to kick in and wears off at about 8. My life has been upside down since this time last year and I feel like I have some light coming back.

This is all very positive and reassuring to hear, thank you all. And rubbish that you all suffer but fab that you’ve gotten relief. Has anyone noticed the effect decreasing over time? I’ve still got some years until I’m fully menopausal so I hope to stretch the treatments out until I’m through this period.

I get between 30 & 35 injections every 12 weeks too, and it has been life changing for me.
I dont find it painful, a couple of the injections sites were slightly stingy but not painful, no swelling either.
Take it easy for the 24 - 48 hours after, no caffine, and stick to any other after care you are advised.

I am currently pregnant so unable to get it done, and its the first thing I'll be doing as soon as the baby is here & I can get it!

@heatwavenamechange congrats on the pregnancy! And thank you, how much taking it easy do you do following injections? I’ve got two DC and we’re always running about, not sure I’ll be able to sit still much. What if one of them touches my face?

Takes me about a Week or so for it to kick in. I do tend to feel sensitive in my scalp areas, but tbh I live with a headache daily, when Botox has worn off and/or I’m waiting for it to kick back in, I take paracetamol and migraine strength on top of my daily tablets. I still wash my face as normal with a flannel… if a little one touched you, you’ll be fine

Thank you, this gives me hope. I reckon I ought to stay off of google and stop reading about the few patients who get worse headaches on Botox 😖

Also, I’m wondering if anyone has been able to add some things back when the migraines are under better control with Botox? For example I’ve quit coffee and alcohol as they seemed to really exacerbate my migraines and whilst I’ve never been a big alcohol or caffeine drinker, I would like to have the occasional glass!

Botox+Ajovy has changed my life.

Gone from a migraine 2x a week to none at all.

I sometimes get a bit of a headache after my Botox, but it is fine.

I just continue my life as normal. Except I don't do heavy workouts the day after. Normal running around is fine.

Thank you! Yes I’ve heard wonderful things about Ajivy, unfortunately where I am
it wouldn’t be reimbursed until I have tried Botox without adequate improvement.

appreciate the feedback here, I’m feeling a bit more calm heading into the appt tomorrow. (But honestly still terrified!)

I have Botox for cosmetic reasons but the most wonderful side effect has been no migraines since I started! I haven’t had a migraine in over two years now (touch wood, cross fingers).

Is having it every 10-12 weeks standard? I am considering trying to brave it (although I didn't have a migraine at all last month, which is a first for quite a while), but didn't realise you had to go so often!

A friend of mine has Botox for migraines, though I have no idea how much. She says it has been life-changing.

How do you go about getting them? My migraines got so much worse during the last few years (( I assume its private?

To provide some balance but by no means to discourage - I have tried botox (done via neurologist) and it didn't resolve a great deal for me - but I don't regret trying it at all. I did find some of the injections to be a bit painful (very briefly) and did experience bruising but this is typical for me as someone who bruises extremely easily. No other side effects but not meaningful change to the migraines either. If it had worked I would have happily repeated the process, migraines are so debilitating.

Hope that it achieves something for you if you try, OP.

@localnotail I’m getting it via a neurologist, but I am not currently in the UK

@Krevlornswath thank you, it’s good to have a balanced perspective! I’m sorry it didn’t work for you, but glad to hear it didn’t make anything g worse! That’s really my biggest fear!

@TheeNotoriousPIG yes the standard dosing where I am is repeat every three months.

Thank you!
No heavy work outs or excercise but you will be fine running around after the kids & normal day to day life.
I hope your appointment goes well.

Just an update: it was easy peasy. He ended up doing a few fewer jabs, as predicted here they were a bit sharp but it went extremely fast. A couple in my neck went deeper and a bit more uncomfortable but still a breeze. He said I could do my normal activities after one hour?!? but I’m taking the full 24 to rest.

thankfully no sign of a Botox-induced headache yet, fingers crossed.