Botox® in Chronic Migraine (Headache)
Botox® is now the only registered medicine for the prophylactic treatment in Chronic Migraine patients since the publication of the PREEMPT Study (Phase 3 REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy). The PREEMPT Study reported significant improvements in 70% of patients who completed the one year treatment protocol for Chronic Migraine patients after the administration of Botox®. Botox® administration for cosmetic reasons in patients who suffer from the occasional migraine can help some patients however the doses used cosmetically is substantially lower than that needed for Chronic Migraine patients.
What is Chronic Migraine?
Chronic Migraine is a debilitating condition that affects up to 45,000 New Zealanders. Chronic Migraine is defined as having severe headaches for more than 4 hours per day, for more than 15 days out of 30, with more than 8 episodes in the last 3 months or a previous diagnosis of migraines, that are either throbbing/moderate to severe which can be unilateral and aggravated by normal physical activity with either nausea and/or vomiting or photophobia and phonophobia, which is not attributed to another causative disorder.
Will treatment for my wrinkles improve my migraines?
This depends on where you need the Botox®. Often patients who come in wanting their frown lines or forehead lines treated with Botox® may find the treatment initially can cause a brief headache that responds to taking Panadol®. Within a few hours to a few days, some patients can notice their migraines are also better. This can also be seen in patients who suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding. Botox® into this region can often relieve tension headaches.
