Botox for Headaches in Brooklyn, NYC & NJ

How Is Botox Used to Relieve Chronic Headaches?

Botox is a prescription medicine that blocks the nerve signals that cause pain and muscle contractions. And while Botox is mostly known in the cosmetic industry, it has provided effective treatment for millions of people suffering from chronic headaches.

It’s used to treat various types of headaches, such as:

• Chronic migraines
• Tension headaches
• Cluster headaches
• Cervicogenic headaches
• Rebound and overuse headaches

Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin and Dr. Leon Reyfman  are board-certified pain management specialists who have helped many people get relief from chronic headaches using Botox treatment. Their team at Neuro Injury Specialists  in New York and New Jersey handles all types of chronic headaches  and pain disorders. They evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination and conduct diagnostic tests to determine if Botox is right for you. They design a personalized treatment plan that suits your condition.

What Is Botox and How Is It Applied in Medicine?

Botox is a type of botulinum toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It’s a potent neurotoxin in nature, meaning that it can affect the nervous system and cause paralysis. However, when used in very small doses and under medical supervision, Botox can have therapeutic effects for various conditions.

Botox is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several medical uses, including as treatment for:

• Migraines
• Nerve pain 
• Trauma from certain injuries

What Types of Headaches Can Be Treated with Botox?

Botox can help prevent headaches from occurring or, at very least, reduce their frequency and severity. Botox for headache treatment  works by acting as a nerve block,  stopping the signals that cause pain and muscle contractions in the head, neck and shoulders. Botox can take up to two weeks to start working and can last for up to 12 weeks.

The effects of Botox vary from person to person and depend on the dose, location and frequency of injections.

Botox is used to treat different types of headaches, including:

• Chronic migraines. Headaches that happen 15 or more days per month and last 4 hours or longer. Botox for migraines blocks the pain and inflammation signals in the brain.
• Tension headaches. Headaches that are caused by muscle tension in the head, neck or shoulders. Botox for tension headaches relaxes the muscles that trigger headaches.
• Cluster headaches. Headaches that occur in cycles of one to eight per day for weeks or months. Botox interferes with the nerve pathways that cause pain and other symptoms.
• Cervicogenic headaches. Headaches that originate from the neck and spread to the head. Botox relieves the pressure and irritation on the neck nerves.

How Is Botox Administered for Headache Treatment?

Botox as a headache treatment is injected into specific muscles or areas that are involved in triggering  or worsening headaches. For example, it can be injected into the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck or shoulders to target your specific area of pain.

The injections are done using a fine needle and are usually well-tolerated by most people.

Botox is administered following a set of steps that include:

1. Before the procedure, your doctor reviews your medical history, performs a physical examination and discusses your expectations and goals. He also answers any questions or concerns you may have about Botox treatment.
2. Prior to the injection, he prepares the Botox solution by diluting the botulinum toxin powder with saline. He uses a sterile syringe and needle to draw the solution.
3. The beginning of the process involves marking the injection sites with a pen. The number and location of injections vary depending on your type of headache and response to Botox.
4. Prior to the injection, the sites are cleaned with alcohol or antiseptic. A topical anesthetic or ice pack is applied to numb the area and reduce discomfort.
5. Botox solution is injected into the muscles or areas that are involved in migraine triggering or worsening your headaches. You may feel a slight pinch or sting during the injection.
6. Expect results within two weeks after the injection. The effects of Botox may last for up to 12 weeks. You may need to repeat the treatment every three to four months to maintain the benefits.

Don’t let chronic headaches disrupt your way of life. Schedule an appointment with the experienced pain management doctors at Neuro Injury Specialists in New York and New Jersey. Take action today and reclaim your expected quality of life by contacting the nearest clinic and making an appointment.