June is National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month. Do you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines? A chronic headache or migraine means you experience symptoms at least 15 days or more each month. These debilitating headaches can significantly affect your overall health and wellbeing. Luckily, there are many treatments available to chronic migraine sufferers that can alleviate the pain. One such treatment is Botox, an injectable drug that has been approved by the FDA to help treat chronic migraines. Keep reading to learn more about how Botox can help alleviate your chronic migraines.
What is Botox?
Before we begin, let’s explain what Botox is first. Botox is an injectable drug made from a protein called Clostridium Botulinum. When Botox is injected into your body, usually your forehead, it blocks some chemical signals from reaching your nerves. This causes your muscles to experience temporary paralysis. Botox was discovered as a popular treatment to reduce facial wrinkles until researchers discovered the positive benefits of treating other medical conditions with it. Today, Botox is often used to treat other medical issues like neck spasms, eye twitching, overactive bladder, and yes – preventing chronic migraines.
Is Botox Safe?
Yes! Botox is safe. In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox for use to prevent chronic migraines. One caveat: you must go to an experienced and licensed healthcare professional for Botox treatment. Adverse side effects of Botox injections are typical when the treatment is not prepared according to FDA standards. So be sure to seek out a professional before starting Botox treatments.
How Does Botox Work to Prevent Migraines?
Now that you have a better understanding of what Botox is, here are the ways that Botox can help prevent chronic migraines. When injected into the forehead or upper body area, Botox will block the release of chemicals that transmit pain from a migraine. Botox can help reduce nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells caused by an oncoming migraine.
How Often Should I Get Botox?
It typically takes about two weeks or more to experience relief and additional Botox treatments have been proven to be more effective. Typically, Botox should be administered every three months to improve migraine symptoms without relapse. Talk to a medical professional to find the treatment plan that’s right for you.
Are There Side Effects to Botox?
Like most medical treatments, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of before starting Botox. While complications and side effects are rare, you may experience:
- Neck pain or stiffness at the injection site (the most common side effect)
- A headache
- Temporary muscle weakness
- In extremely rare circumstances, you may experience vision changes, difficulty swallowing, or drooping eyelids
To reduce your risk of complications, be sure to see a certified professional before using Botox.
Try Botox at SomaSou
SomaSou is Del Ray’s first MedSpa offering services to help our community enrich themselves and build confidence. “SomaSou” means “your body” and we give you options to help you feel confident about it. Start your journey by taking an active role in your well-being and schedule a free consultation with SomaSou today. For more information about our services or to schedule a treatment, contact us.
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