Botox for Migraine Prevention?

I've been trying to learn more about the use of Botox for migraine prevention.  It was actually a woman working at my pharmacy that brought it to my attention.  She gets injections every 4-6 months and has been getting fewer and fewer migraines.  I'd only heard of Botox used for cosmetic procedures so I was pretty surprised to learn about this "off-label" use.

I just saw coverage of a news story about film producer Mike Medavoy's wife Irena, who received Botox injections for her migraines.  She sued the manufacturer of Botox, claiming that some terrible medical conditions she experienced after the injections were caused by Botox.  The story reminded me that I hadn't done much further research about Botox.  You can read about the lawsuit here.

If you're interested in knowing more about Botox for Migraines, the most recent information I came across was from a doctor named Todd Troost, M.D., who is Professor and Chairman of Neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.  He has injected more than 635 patients with an 87% improvement rate. 

That's pretty impressive and I am definitely going to look into this further.  Dr. Troost's website is http://www.imigraine.net/newrx/botox.html

I also found this botox directory of links that may help you find information:
Botox Directory: A one stop resource for all your botox needs. 

I would love to hear from any of you who may have experience with Botox or know more about it.  You can comment using the link or form below.

Kelli :)

Comments

[Robert]

I had Botox treatments for my migraines. There is a neurologist at my local hospital who administers them. My insurance wouldn't pay for it, so it was an out-of-pocket expense for me.

I don't recall exactly how many injections were given in one treatment, but it was around a dozen, given around my forehead and head. They weren't really too painful.

For the first few days, I thought they were helping. But, for me, it didn't last; I think my initial reaction was psychosomatic, or just a easier period, as these things come and go off and on (I should explain that my migraines are daily).

The wrinkles around my eyes and on my forehead disappeared, but other than that, I got no relief. I understand, however, that this is NOT the typical response. Since the botox had no real effect on my migraines, the neurologist didn't think a second treatment was worthwhile, and I agreed.

[Janice]

I tried Botox several months ago. I received about 10 injections, & it did improve the "superficial" migraines I get on the left side of my head.

Unfortunately, I rarely get migraines on this side of my head; most of my migraines are a much deeper pain on the right side of my head & neck. The Botox did little to nothing for these migraines.

My doctor persuaded me to try Botox one more time, based on the premise that Botox can have a cumulative effect. He also said that one really needs to have three treatments before concluding that Botox will really not help.

However, the second Botox treatment did even less for me than the first (in other words, nothing), so I saw no point to returning for a third treatment.

[Kelli Smith]

I had abandoned the idea of using Botox when I learned about how it's tested on animals and just couldn't stomach it. I just read from the HSUS the following:

"On Friday, Botox manufacturer Allergan announced that the company has developed—and received federal approval for—a new procedure that avoids using animals in testing this product. The company expects the new method to reduce animal use in Botox testing by 95 percent within three years, as it secures regulatory approvals outside the United States."

Read more here:
http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2011/06/botox-testing-victory.html

Good news for animal-loving migraineurs who want to give botox a try.

Best, Kelli :)