Botox Injections for Migraine Management
(FDA-Approved Preventive Treatment for Chronic Migraine)
Overview
Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraine, a condition defined as having 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 of those being migraine. Botox works by blocking pain signals and reducing muscle contractions in areas that contribute to migraine development.
At Restore Spine and Pain, we offer Botox injections as a safe, effective, non-opioid treatment to help patients experience fewer and less intense migraines over time.
Conditions Treated
- Chronic migraine
- Migraine associated with neck tension or scalp tenderness
- Headache syndromes not responsive to oral medications
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Vasovagal response (fainting or dizziness)
- New or increased pain
- Temporary headache
- Mild bruising or soreness at injection sites
- Neck weakness or stiffness
- Flu-like symptoms (rare)
- Drooping eyelid or eyebrow (very rare and temporary)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Allergic or unexpected drug reaction with minor or major consequences
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed.
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We ask that you arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours prior to the procedure. If sedation is planned, please follow the specific sedation protocol provided by our team.
Medications:
- Continue routine medications unless directed otherwise.
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Blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements:
- Inform us in advance if you take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Aspirin, or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Certain medications may need to be stopped for a short period of time before the injection.
- Speak with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s safe to temporarily stop these medications.
- Our team will review your medication list and coordinate with your other providers if needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or recent illness
- You have started antibiotics or had changes to your medications.
What if I am pregnant?
If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please notify our team immediately and postpone the injection until pregnancy is ruled out.
Procedure Information
What to Expect:
1. Preparation:
- You be positioned on the procedure table and the skin will be cleaned.
2. Injection Process:
- A small needle is used to inject Botox into specific muscles of the scalp, forehead, neck and shoulders.
Monitoring:
- You will be monitored during the procedure to ensure comfort and safety
- Most procedures last 10-15 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period on-site.
Post-Procedure Information
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Relief Timeline: Results typically begin within 7–14 days, with peak effect at about 4–6 weeks.
- Activity: You may resume light activities the next day; avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. We recommend you return to work the following day.
- Soreness: Temporary soreness at the procedure site is common.
- Pain tracking:Keep a log of symptoms over the next 1–2 weeks
If successful, additional injections may be spaced out over time.
Additional Instructions:
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, or worsening pain.
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're living with chronic migraines, Botox injections may help reduce your headache days and improve your quality of life. Contact Restore Spine and Pain today to schedule a consultation and find out if this treatment is right for you.