How Does Botox Help Migraines?

Are you looking for migraine relief? Injectable treatments like the off-label use of Botox Cosmetic products may be a simple and straightforward solution for treating chronic headaches. When used for specific types of muscle relaxation techniques, Botox can effectively reduce headache symptoms. The injectable can be applied by your medical provider or dentist (especially in the case of managing TMJ-induced migraine symptoms.) 

How Long Does It Take For Botox To Work For Migraines?

If it’s your first time receiving Botox treatment, please understand that Botox doesn’t begin working immediately. Rather, it can take 4 to 7 days before you see the full results. But once Botox relaxes the muscles throughout your face and scalp, it is easily maintained with touch-up applications for months or even years. 

How Long Does Botox For Migraines Last?

Results vary from one person to the next, but most Botox migraine patients will see results for up to 3-5 months following their Botox treatment. Once it takes full effect, the benefits are consistent from one day to the next. As you start to see the effects wear off, you’ll know that it’s time to book another Botox session with your dentist. 

How Often Do You Need Botox For Migraines?

Some people need as little as one Botox treatment per year, while others may need 2-4 applications per year (every 3-6 months.) Your grinding and clenching habits, lifestyle, activity level, and other factors can play a role in how soon your body processes the medication. 

Botox can safely be used on a consistent basis over the course of years, if desired. 

What Is The Success Rate Of Botox For Migraines?

Approximately 65% of people see improvement in their migraine symptoms following Botox headache treatment. In fact our patients have had such success with Botox treatment that the percentage realistically is closer to 95%! Since Botox is a very simple therapy, many headache sufferers will rely on Botox to treat their chronic pain along with regular massage and acupiuncture instead of taking over-the-counter or prescription medication. 

What Are The Side Effects Of Botox Injections For Migraines?

As with any type of medication, there is always the risk of side-effects when trying a new drug for the first time. It’s no different for Botox. Depending on the dosage you receive and where the application site is, some people may experience headaches afterwards. This is because Botox relaxes your jaw muscles, which allows other muscles to compensate. Fortunately, multi-year studies continue to show that Botox is safe and considerably well-tolerated by most patients. 

How Much Does It Cost To Get Botox For Migraines?

When pricing treatments, the cost of Botox will typically be determined by how many units are being applied (which is why cosmetic services typically list pricing per unit, rather than area.) Fees are based on the medication itself, dispensing fees, and any additional pharmaceutical charges to your care provider. The more units that are required for your treatment, the higher the overall cost will be. 

Does OHIP Cover Botox for Migraines?

Currently, Botox is covered by the Alberta government as an approved migraine treatment. There are hopes that the Ontario and Quebec government drug plans will soon follow suit.. Fortunately, since Botox can be used for medical concerns, such as treating chronic headache and migraine symptoms, it is gaining popular approval as a qualified health expense. 

Although in years past it was not always covered, modern regulations and appropriate paperwork filed by your doctor or dentist can make coverage for your Botox easier to achieve, assuming current government drug regulations, thus reducing your cost of migraine treatment. Even if Botox is not covered by OHIP, the modest treatment area still allows for a reasonably priced treatment compared to ongoing prescription therapy. 

Is Botox Right for Me? 

If you currently suffer from frequent headaches, migraines, or symptoms of TMJ disorder (TMD) then Botox may be an excellent treatment choice. At Dr Karen Davis Dentistry, our Sarnia patients are able to complete a thorough screening to identify trigger points that may be best managed with an injectable such as Botox. When other therapies such as relaxation, medication, or bite splints aren’t enough, Botox can provide around-the-clock relief. 

Contact our Sarnia office today to find out if Botox migraine treatment is right for you.