cosmeticcare.ca

Archive for January, 2009

Paul asked me if Botox for Migraines and Headaches really works.

Botox for Migraines was an accidental discovery.  Reports that botox for migraines worked started surfacing in year 2000, and since then several studies have been done.

The University Of California delivered in a presentation at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery meeting in 2000 and Richard Glogau, MD, UCSF professor of dermatology, reported that 75 percent of patients in his case study experienced four to six months of Migraine relief following injections of Botox® to muscles of the face and head.

However, like any medicine and research, some studies will disprove that botox really works and that it’s nothing more than a placebo effect.  For example, a major insurance company has stopped paying for Botox for Migraines as a result of the research they compiled.  Here’s an interesting read: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/2008180063_botox15m1.html

If you talk to some patients with severe migraines, they will tell you that Botox  relieved their suffering, and brought back some sanity into their lives.  If you talk to others, some will say it had little to no effect.

Every patient is different.  Every patient suffers from migraines for different reasons.  If your migraine is stress related, than Botox may be a solution for you.

Please consult a medical professional prior to taking any action regarding your health.

Thanks for Asking Dr. Brown!  Keep the questions coming! Email your questions to askdrbrown@cosmeticcare.ca or add your question to the comments section below.

Dr. Amber Brown