BOTOX® Treats Chronic Migraine

More than 14 million people in the United States suffer from chronic migraine, and of those millions, nearly 90% report that daily headaches interfere with their education, career and social activities.

Are you part of the 90%?

With BOTOX® for Chronic Migraine, you don’t have to be.

What is BOTOX®?

OnabotulinumtoxinA (better known as BOTOX®) belongs to a group of drugs known as biologics, or medicine made from living organisms. Specifically, BOTOX® is a purified protein derived from bacteria: Clostridium botulinum type A.

How do I know if BOTOX® is right for me?

The medical dermatologists at Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center recommend BOTOX® injections for the treatment of Chronic Migraine in adults (aged 18 years or older) who experience 15 or more headache days per month, with headaches that last four or more hours each day.

To date, BOTOX® is not approved for patients with episodic migraines — that is, those with 14 or fewer headache days each month.

How is BOTOX® treatment administered?

If, after your free consultation, we determine that BOTOX® is right to treat your chronic migraines, very fine needles will be used to administer 31 total injections into seven specific areas in the head and neck.

Will it be painful?

Mild discomfort can be expected. Most patients say the injections feel like pinpricks.

What are the side effects of BOTOX®?

Approximately nine percent of clinical trial participants reported neck pain as a result of BOTOX® treatment. Other side effects (as reported by 2 or fewer percent of patients) included headache, migraine, slight or partial facial paralysis, eyelid drooping, bronchitis, musculoskeletal stiffness, muscle weakness, pain in one or more muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones, muscle spasms, injection-site pain, and high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about these, and more possible side effects.

How can I tell if I’m having an allergic reaction?

If you experience itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness at the injection site, seek medical help immediately, and discontinue any further BOTOX® treatment.

How often will I need BOTOX® treatment?

We recommend once every three months, but will personalize each course of treatment for our patients’ individual medical needs.

Can I still take acute medication for my migraines once I begin BOTOX® treatment?

BOTOX® is injected as a preventive medicine for adults who suffer from Chronic Migraine, but BOTOX® may not prevent all of your headache days. And so the answer is yes, you can continue to take acute medication to treat migraines. Consult with your doctor about a treatment regimen that works for you.