Migraine Botox, assessed within the Neurology Department of MediHeart Medical Center in Morphou, is a preventive treatment that aims to reduce the number of headache days in suitable patients with chronic migraine.
What Is Migraine Botox?
Migraine Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin type A into specific points on the head and neck using a standard protocol. It is different from cosmetic Botox: it is planned after a neurological assessment as a preventive treatment for patients who meet certain criteria.
Its effect in migraine is thought to relate to reducing certain nerve signals involved in pain. It is not used to stop an attack in progress, but to reduce how often attacks occur.
Who Is It For?
International guidelines recommend migraine Botox for adults with chronic migraine, generally defined as:
- Headache on 15 or more days a month
- Migraine features on at least 8 of those days
- Lasting for more than 3 months
It is usually considered when other preventive medicines have not helped enough, were not tolerated or are unsuitable. If medication-overuse headache is present, this also needs to be addressed.
Botox has not been shown to be effective in episodic migraine (fewer than 15 headache days a month); other options are considered for these patients.
Assessment Before Treatment
- Type, frequency and severity of headaches
- Previous preventive treatments and their results
- How often pain relievers are used
- Neurological examination
- Conditions that may affect treatment, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or some neuromuscular disorders
You may be asked to keep a headache diary so the effect of treatment can be measured objectively.
How Is It Given?
The treatment follows the standard protocol described in international studies. Small doses are injected with a very fine needle into set points on the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck and shoulders. The doctor may add points where pain is concentrated. The procedure is quick, needs no anaesthesia and you can return to daily life afterwards.
When Does It Start to Work?
The effect develops gradually; clear benefit is often seen within a few weeks. Treatment is usually repeated about every 12 weeks. Response is generally reviewed after at least two treatment cycles, and continuation is reconsidered if benefit is insufficient.
Possible Side Effects
- Mild pain or bruising at injection sites
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Temporary muscle weakness
- Temporary drooping of the eyelid
- Short-lived headache
Seek medical help promptly if you develop difficulty swallowing or breathing.
A Holistic Approach
Botox is only one part of migraine care. Identifying triggers, regular sleep and meals, physical activity and managing pain-reliever use also matter. Some patients may benefit from a nerve block. See also our Migraine and Headache Treatment page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is migraine Botox the same as cosmetic Botox?
The active substance is similar, but the purpose, injection points, dose and protocol are different.
Will it cure my migraine?
No. In suitable patients it may help reduce the number and severity of headache days. Responses vary from person to person.
Can every migraine patient have Botox?
No. It is recommended for patients with chronic migraine who meet specific criteria; suitability is decided after neurological assessment.
What should I do after the injections?
You may be advised not to massage or press on the injection sites for a few hours. Follow your doctor’s specific advice.
Conclusion
Migraine Botox is a guideline-supported preventive option that may help reduce headache days in suitable patients with chronic migraine who have not benefited enough from other treatments. At MediHeart Medical Center, the treatment decision is made after a detailed assessment. Patients from Morphou, North Cyprus and across Cyprus can contact us for appointments.