| Botulinum
toxin – in the treatment of headaches.
By Dr Patrick Bowler.
The benefits of Botulinum Toxin
in the management of headaches were discovered
by accident. Patients having Botulinum Toxin
injections to improve lines and wrinkles reported
dramatic reductions in the severity and frequency
of headaches.
A scientific, medical paper was published in 2000 confirming the safety and efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in the prevention of migraine headaches. Dr Stephen Silberstein and his team reported that the injection of Botulinum Toxin in the forehead muscles was found to be a safe treatment that significantly reduced migraine frequency, migraine severity, acute medication usage and associated vomiting in approximately 50% of sufferers.
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The beneficial effects were observed
mainly from 1-3 months as has been reported
with other migraine treatments. Botulinum Toxin
works as a muscle relaxant and the contraction
of forehead muscles contributes to the migraine
triggering process.
Botulinum Toxin is administered
by 10-12 injections using an ultra fine needle
into the forehead muscles. It only takes a few
minutes to perform and it is possible to return
rapidly to normal activities. Side effects are
local to the site of injection, some blotchiness
and occasional bruising. Further injections
will be required approximately every 3-6 months.
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