Does Botox treat migraines and wrinkles at the same time?

My doctor said he can treat my migraines at the same time I get my cosmetic Botox injections. Is this true?

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8 answers to “Does Botox treat migraines and...”

A: Botox and migraines

Robert Steely, MD

Despite what you read, Botox cannot cure migraines. A migraine headache is due to a vascular spasm deep in your skull. It is not reachable by Botox. Botox causes temporary paralysis of the muscles it is injected into. In proper hands, it is very safe and works very, very well. Botox can be used to treat some... more

A: Botox can help certain migraines and will paralyze the...

Robert W. Kessler, MD

Botox can help certain migraines and will paralyze the muscles which cause facial wrinkles. Migraines which begin in the forehead or around the eyes respond to Botox the best. There is a sensory nerve which runs within a muscle deep to the eyebrow near the bridge of the nose. The theory is that muscle... more

A: Botox and headaches

Pramit Malhotra, MD

Headaches can have many origins including starting in nerves, muscle, and blood vessels. Patients often note that their headaches are less frequent when they get Botox injections. The injections for migraines are in areas where Botox is typically not used for wrinkle relaxation. If your primary goal is to... more

A: Yes, this is true. Botox is a useful treatment for...

Jordana S. Gilman, MD

Yes, this is true. Botox is a useful treatment for migraines in some patients. However, the important thing to remember is that the precise location of injections is different when it is being used for migraines and when it is being used cosmetically to reduce wrinkles. In my practice, some people who get... more

A: Taking Care of Two Birds with One Stone - Botox for migraines and wrinkles

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Jeane, Studies have found that patients treated with Botox have decreased frequency of their migraine headaches, as well as less severity if they do get the headache. By treating the brow muscles (corrugators) and adding a little Botox to the upper forehead, your wrinkles and headaches can be improved with... more

A: Botox for wrinkles and migraines works for me

Jonathan Hoenig, MD

I have been treating myself with Botox for many, many years to prevent ocular migraines. When I get migraines, I get "ocular" migraines. This means I have vision problems, loss of vision, and shooting lights when I get a migraine. I can always tell when the Botox is wearing off because my migraines... more

A: Botox and Migraines

Arnold W. Klein, MD

I am one of the first doctors who reported that Botox can be effective in the treatment of migraine headache and I am probably the best known for this in the world. Unfortunately, I am also the first ever to be sued for this (I did win in court). While many patients who experience migraine headaches have... more

A: Botox has more than one approved indication

Mark Jewell, MD

The use of botulinum toxin (Botox®) for the treatment of migraine headache disorders has been publicized in both the lay press and the medical literature. This represents a novel and sometimes effective approach to treating this disorder, as opposed to other types of drugs. Botox® used in such... more

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