What is a migraine?
A migraine is a type of headache that causes pulsing or throbbing pain sensations in your head. Migraines tend to be recurrent and may be linked to underlying genetic factors.
You may also be prone to developing migraine pain due to environmental triggers like:
- Stress or anxiety
- Bright lights
- Hormonal changes
- Weather changes
- Strenuous physical activity
- Use of certain medications
Certain foods are also known to trigger migraine pain, including alcohol, chocolate, and processed meats.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
The hallmark symptom of a migraine is an intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of your head. Some people experience warning signs prior to the start of a migraine, such as mood changes or seeing flashes of light.
As your head pain becomes more intense, you may become increasingly sensitive to bright lights and loud sounds. You might become nauseous and start vomiting due to the severity of the migraine pain.
How are migraines treated?
The goals for treating migraines are to relieve existing head pain and prevent the frequency and severity of additional migraine headaches.
If you experience occasional migraines, you may benefit from prescription medications to treat pain as it develops. Holistic therapies, like acupuncture, can also help relieve migraine pain.
When you have chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more in a month, Dr. Brennan and the Coastal Pain Medicine team can use Botox® injections to treat them. Botox is a cosmetic injection that addresses deep-set wrinkles along your brow line and creases around your eyes. The prescription medication is also effective at treating and preventing migraine headaches.
Botox is made from a purified toxin that causes temporary paralysis in your muscles. When treating migraine pain, Botox targets and relaxes the muscles that contribute to your recurrent headaches. Not only can the medication relieve existing pain, but it also works as a long-lasting preventive agent to stop additional migraines before they start.
What can I expect during a Botox treatment for a migraine?
Botox is an injectable treatment that Dr. Brennan performs in the office. Following a custom treatment plan, he injects specific amounts of Botox into certain areas of your scalp and face.
You will need a series of treatments, generally 12 weeks apart, to effectively prevent chronic migraines. On average, Botox can prevent up to nine headaches a month, with many people noticing results within four weeks.
To find out if you’re a candidate for Botox injections for chronic migraine pain, call Coastal Pain Medicine or request an appointment through the online booking system.
