Migraine After Botox Is this "normal"?

Question

I had Botox injections for chronic daily headaches & migraines yesterday afternoon. Typically my headaches are located on my forehead, right above the browline (more over the left eyebrow to the bridge of my nose) & my migraines are left sided. This AM I awoke with a slight headache on the right & by mid AM it had developed into a full blown migraine. It's evening now & even with Maxalt I still have a headache. I thought Botox was supposed to help my head, not make it worse? Is this "normal"?

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

It is important to consult a medical professional before undergoing Botox for the treatment of migraines.
	True indeed, it has received FDA approval for the treatment of such conditions, but you really need to know
	if this option is the best for you. There has been substantially more research pertaining to Botox for wrinkle
	management, but in terms of migraine management I would advise you consult a neurologist.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Occasionally bruises or swelling or irritation caused by the botulinum toxin injections can be associated with migraine like pain.

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox received FDA approval for the treatment of migraine in October 2010. Typically the effects observed with the use of Botox will take up to approximately 2 weeks after injection. Treatment are often preform on 12 week intervals. However, there are multiple reasons for an individual to have a headache. These reason spread from primary headaches to secondary headaches to neuralgias. It is not uncommon for an individual with migraines to have another reason that causes a headache. It would be reasonable to have a comprehensive evaluation. Be healthy and be well,James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Of course I can not comment specifically on your case and I do not perform Botox injections for migraines but I would expect the effect to take up to two weeks, or more, to see the effect as this is what we see happen with cosmetic Botox.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi BH.  While Botox is now FDA approved to treat migraines it is just like every other medical treatment in that sometimes it may work and sometimes not.  It may also take a bit of experience with you and your injector to get the injection locations right to minimize future headaches.  

	Finally, it's possible that you may not get great results for migraines with Botox as this is just one treatment and cannot be guaranteed to work.

Migraine After Botox Is this "normal"?

Answers (6)