If you are a migraine sufferer, you will do anything to make the pain go away. Those who suffer repeated migraine days in any given month are said to have chronic migraines. About 12 percent of the American public suffers chronic migraines with debilitating pain. Botox, or onabotulinumtoxinA, was originally approved by the FDA to smooth wrinkles on the face. Today, the toxin is approved for reducing chronic migraines in adults as well. For people living in Florida, Botox injections in Miami, specifically at the Plastic Surgery Institute, can certainly reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
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How Miami Botox Injections Work
The science behind Miami Botox injections for headaches is much the same as it is for facial wrinkles – muscle paralysis. In layman’s terms, the toxin essentially blocks the transmission of signal from the nerve cells to the muscles, thereby causing muscle fiber paralysis. According to the FDA, multiple injections are given in specific areas around the head and neck. The result is a lessening and decrease in future headache symptoms. The results last up to 12 weeks, depending on the person. Chronic migraine sufferers, defined as someone who experiences debilitating headaches at least 15 days a month, with symptoms lasting four hour or more per event, must seek repeat injections every three months to keep seeing relief from their symptoms. Patients receiving Botox injections Miami usually begin feeling relief of their migraine symptoms in four to six days after treatment.
Botox Injection Doctors in Miami Discuss Side Effects
As with most forms of treatment, side effects always exist. This anti-migraine treatment is no different. Botox injection doctors in Miami warn of the risk of the following side effects if you are considering these injections for chronic migraine relief.
- The most common side effect reported by patients receiving the injections is headache and neck pain.
- Although there are no confirmed cases according to the FDA, the toxin onabotulinumtoxinA can spread from the injection site to other areas of the body, producing botulism-like symptoms. Breathing and swallowing difficulties are a concern if this happens.
- According to Allergen,the makers of the Botox injection, there may also be:
- Double vision
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of bladder control
- Droopy eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Hoarseness
The FDA states that Botox is not effective for migraine relief in people who have headaches less than 14 days a month.
A Few Things you should know before getting Botox Injections
As with any medical or cosmetic procedure, the more you know, the better off you are. Keep these things in mind as you consider Botox injections for your migraines.
- Botox injections are not approved for periodic migraine episodes (less than 14 days a month) or tension-type headaches. If a doctor does suggest Botox for these situations, be aware that the procedure is going to probably be on your dime.
- The actual procedure only takes a few minutes, and it can be done right in the doctor’s office.
- You might look a little tired or bruised for a few days following treatment.
- It takes a good 6 to 9 months of regular injections to really give Botox an adequate trial. While you should begin feeling relief from migraine symptoms in a very short amount of time, the extended outlook is potentially better.
- There is no downtime with this anti-migraine injection.
- Doctor experience does matter. Don’t be afraid to do your homework on the plastic surgeon or physician you plan to use, and ask point blank, “How many Botox injections for migraines have you done?” Finding an experienced doctor to deliver your injections will ensure you have a pleasant enough experience to follow up as needed in the future. If done properly by a trained physician, you should experience very little discomfort and side effects following your procedure.
- Botox injections are rather expensive, but for migraine relief health insurance typically picks up some, if not all, of the tab. Affordable Botox injections in Miami are possible. Check with your insurance company beforehand to find out exactly what is covered.
- Botox is not the first line of defense against chronic migraines. Your doctor may only suggest it after you have tried a couple of other migraine treatments, such as prescription medications, with poor success.
- Anesthesia is not required with Botox injections, however, we use regional and topical anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable for our patients.
Where are the Best Botox Injection Doctors in Miami?
We might be a little biased, but the best Botox injection doctors in Miami are right here in our facility. With these injections offered by many different types of doctors such as neurologists and the like, who may not specialize in administering such specialized injections, you can rest assured that our highly trained physicians are experts in the field. This is what they do – all day, every day.
Our plastic surgeons are board certified, which means they have undergone extensive training to administer Botox injections in Miami. As stated above, finding an experienced physician to administer your Botox injections is of utmost importance, so contact PSI Miami today to schedule a consultation with one of our highly-experienced plastic surgeons.
If constant migraines steal more than 15 days a month from your life, or if your current migraine medication fails to control your symptoms adequately, it is time to consider a more drastic, yet effective solution for extended migraine relief.