Botox can cause headaches as a potential side effect, including migraine-like headaches. Over - contraction of forehead muscles and poor injection technique can contribute to these headaches. Headaches after Botox treatment usually resolve within a few hours to a few days.
The injectables used to treat migraines are the same kind used by aesthetic surgeons and dermatologists to minimize facial wrinkles. Licensed medical professionals treat migraines by injecting botulinum toxin into multiple areas around the head and neck.
Results can last for 10 to 12 weeks, or sometimes longer. Most people receive Botox® treatments every three months for a year or more, until their migraine symptoms ease. For some people, migraines may go away completely over time. For others, Botox® injections can be a long-term treatment option.
Possible side effects and unwanted results include: Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Headache or flu-like symptoms. Droopy eyelids or crooked eyebrows.
Since Botox is an approved treatment for chronic migraines, many insurance companies will cover some — or all — of the costs. This includes both Medicare and Medicaid plans. That said, depending on your health plan, some further steps may be needed. More on this below.
BOTOX® prevents headaches in adults with Chronic Migraine, 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting 4 or more hours. BOTOX® is not approved for 14 or fewer headache days a month. Prescription only. Chronic Migraine can make you feel like a spectator in your own life.
Most insurance companies cover Botox if you have chronic migraines (15 or more headache days each month) and if you've tried and failed (it did not help or caused side effects) 2 or 3 preventive medications. The copay for a vial of Botox is often as high as $400 or more.
Key Takeaways. Botox can cause headaches as a potential side effect, including migraine-like headaches. Over - contraction of forehead muscles and poor injection technique can contribute to these headaches. Headaches after Botox treatment usually resolve within a few hours to a few days.
Serious adverse effects after cosmetic use of botulinum toxin include dysphagia, muscle weakness, and allergic reactions [22, 23].
Types of Doctors by Condition
The type of doctor you visit for medical Botox injections depends on your condition: Chronic migraine and cervical dystonia: look for neurologists and otolaryngologists (ENTs) Excessive underarm sweating: look for dermatologists and neurologists.
Don't get a facial or head massage for a full 24 hours after Botox. You should also avoid rubbing your face in the area that was treated.
Does Botox for migraines cause weight gain? No, Botox isn't likely to cause weight gain. Botox is not absorbed into your bloodstream; it tends to only affect the nerves near where you got your injections.
Muscle Atrophy and Adaptation: After long-term Botox use, some facial muscles may experience mild atrophy due to limited activity. This can actually benefit patients who prefer a smoother look, as muscle activity that causes wrinkles is minimized.
A small study by UCI researchers found that botox injections to a person's forehead may alter the way their brain interprets and processes other people's emotions. Apparently, when people see a happy or angry face, they unconsciously mimic that expression.
Botox for chronic migraine consists of 31 injections in the head and neck every 12 weeks. Injection sites include the forehead, temples, back of the head, upper neck, and shoulders. Each treatment takes less than 10 minutes, and the injections are generally well tolerated.
Some patients describe that they feel weird after Botox due to potential side effects like flu-like symptoms and fatigue, which are caused by the body adjusting to the toxin. These symptoms typically lessen with subsequent treatments and self-care.
Most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost of botox injections for migraines. However, coverage may vary depending on your plan. It's essential to check with your insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan.
Muscle Adjustment: As Botox relaxes the treated muscles, surrounding muscles may temporarily overcompensate, resulting in tension or discomfort. Stress or Anxiety: For some patients, the anticipation of the procedure or the injections themselves can trigger stress-related tension headaches.
Botulinum toxin injections aren't the only Botox alternatives. You can also consider treatments such as retinoids, chemical peels, and microneedling. Dermal fillers are another alternative. This injectable treatment typically works immediately and lasts longer than Botox.
A: The cost of Botox for the FDA-recommended dosage of 155 units costs between $300 and $600 for each comprehensive treatment. You would think since the treatment is FDA-approved it should be covered under most insurance plans.