Botox for Migraines: Q&A

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Neck Pain After Botox for Chronic Migraines

I had my first treatment of botox for chronic migraines just over 24 hours ago. I was given 145 - 150 units total over my forehead, several injections along my temples near my ears, and several injections in the back of my head and along both sides of the back of my neck. today the left side of my neck is very painful. is anyone familiar with neck pain as a side effect of botox? from the reasearch i've done it seems somewhat common. will this go away on its own or last the length of the treatmnt

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neck neck pain 1 day post-op normal
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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by alhuff26 in Cincinnati, OH
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Triggers for migraines to be treated with botox

Treatment of unknown triggers for migraines with Botox may take some time to learn which are the key triggers. Injecting all possilbe trigger zones can help the patient but it can also miss the exact area in which they are successful.
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Neck Pain After Botox for Chronic Migraines

Sounds like the injector is trying to find your "trigger" zone by injecting that amount of Botox in 1 session. Best to contact the injecting doc to be seen concerning the neck pain. In most cases this pain decreases over a few days. But ALWAYS best to be in contact with the injector.
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Botox for Migraines

Botox is extremely effective for migraines. The pain you are experiencing is most likely from the injections themselves, not the Botox per se. Injections into the neck can be more painful as the skin is thinner and tighter there, often. It could also be that perhaps you laid on that side more during the night, which can increase tenderness a bit. Don't take ibuprofen as that can increase any possible bruising you may have. Try Arnica Montana (available as topical or pill form from... more
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Neck Pain After Botox For Migraines

Pain can be common after any type of injection due to the mild trauma caused by the injection itself. I have injected many patients for migraines, and any pain has subsided within a few days. Since your injections were about 24 hours ago, please give it a bit more time. If your pain continues, please return to your injector to be evaluated. I hope your migraines are better!
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Comments (1)

Hi, I've tried Botox for migraines.. Started slow- did Okay - Results varied; headaches did lessen.

2nd Treatment Did Forehead, around eyes, cheek bones & 2 small injections upper back of skull - Excellent Results - Still had minor headaches but NO migraines - No Unbearable bed ridden days!

3rd Injection treatment - focused more on the Upper back of the neck & shoulder trigger points- NOT GOOD! I will never do that again- I am In so much pain that I can't hold my head forward, can't sleep- It hurts to even get a massage - tried muscle relax-ors - NO HELP.... Maybe acupuncture might work?? It has been 4 weeks & NO Relief!

Desperate for help with this Upper neck & shoulder pain!! Headaches are still good but Not worth the pain Im now suffering 24/7 -

I will still do Botox- But NEVER in my trigger points in shoulders & neck. My mother-in-law also suffers from migraines & been doing Botox with great results for years- She also just recently had her trigger points in neck & shoulders ( different Neurologist & State) has been suffering terrible??? She said, " It was so bad - that she will never use Botox again" Any one else have this happen?? Does any one know of anything that will help??

Thanks, S.White
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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