5 Essential Facts About Botulinum Toxin for Chronic Migraine

1. Does Botox for chronic migraine also treat wrinkles? Will I be able to move my face?

3. What if I don’t like the way my head, neck, and shoulders feel after Botox?

4. Will Botox eventually stop working to prevent my migraines?

5. What if I’m scared of needles?

2. Can I take other migraine meds after I’ve received a Botox treatment?

9. Will I have to take these medications forever?

8. Will I be able to afford this medication?

7. JAK inhibitors are still pretty new – are you sure they’re safe?

6. I read that JAK inhibitors increase the risk of blood clots. Should I be worried?

5. Can taking a JAK inhibitor cause cancer?

4. Why do I need to get certain vaccinations first?

3. Will taking a JAK inhibitor shut down my immune system?

2. If one JAK inhibitor doesn’t help me, does that mean none of them will?

1. Which JAK inhibitor is most likely to help me?

FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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The short answer: Yes, getting Botox for your migraines will also smooth fine lines and wrinkles, mainly on your forehead. “It’s the same mechanism as if we were giving it for cosmetic purposes, but we’re not dermatologists, and we don’t do it for that reason,” says Estemalik. If you’re worried about not being able to move your forehead and eyebrows, tell your doctor. They can inject the Botox higher in your forehead so that you can still raise your eyebrows, notes Blumenfeld.

1. Does Botox for chronic migraine also treat wrinkles? Will I be able to move my face?

FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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Yes — so far, there’s no evidence that using other migraine meds while getting botulinum toxin injections interferes with the positive effects of the treatment. It’s fine to take both acute and preventative migraine drugs while receiving Botox. Preventative migraine medications may even increase the beneficial effects of Botox, per the American Migraine Foundation.

2. Can I take other migraine meds after I’ve received a Botox treatment?

FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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The good news is, the effects of the treatment wear off within 12 weeks or so, says Blumenfeld. Some people may even notice the effects disappearing after 10 weeks. That said, don’t give up just because you had issues with the first treatment: “An experienced injector should be able to modify the treatment to suit your needs,” says Blumenfeld.

3. What if I don’t like the way my head, neck, and shoulders feel after Botox?

FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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It depends. “Some patients do stop responding to treatment over time,” says Estemalik. “But I’ve had some patients receive it for five years or longer and they still experience the benefits.” If the treatment stops working for you, talk to your doctor — they may suggest you switch to another preventative migraine option.

4. Will Botox eventually stop working to prevent my migraines?

FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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You’re not the only one who doesn’t like being poked with a needle — but the benefits of the treatment may outweigh any fears you may have. Close your eyes while your doctor administers the shots, and if you’re worried about the pain, ask them to apply a numbing cream to your skin first, suggests Estemalik. If you absolutely can't tolerate needles of any sort, Botox may not be right for you; ask your doctor about other preventative options.

5. What if I’m scared of needles?

FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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FAQs About Botox for Chronic Migraine, Answered

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