POSTED UNDER Botox for Migraines REVIEWS
Botox for Chronic Migraines
ORIGINAL POST
I've suffered with chronic migraines for the past...
WORTH IT$40
I've suffered with chronic migraines for the past 35 years, and I've taken all of the following medicines:
Divalproex ER 250MG, Oxycodone 5MG, Abilify, Topamax, Cafergot, Prozac, Depakote, Atenolol, Sumatriptan, Migranal Spray, and so many others that I can't even remember the names of them.
The Sumatriptan and the Migranal Spray work some of the time, but they both have side effects and have expensive med co-pays.
Tomorrow, I'm going to get Botox from a neurologist to see if it will help. The only thing that I'm really concerned about is that they injected it where they want it and not where you want it, as a dermatologists does. However, my headaches are so excruciating that I guess it will be OK, if it works. I'll let you know if I look weird and if it helps at all.
The neurologist will be injecting the Botox with about 30 shots in my face, temples, and neck. Luckily, my insurance will cover it because I have extensive, medical documentation records regarding all of the medicines that have failed to provide me with any relief. I've attach a drawing that is similar to where the doctor will be placing the injections.
Margo Zargo's provider
Replies (4)
April 26, 2015
Hello - Your document that is similar to where the doctor will be placing the injections was not attached. I would appreciate seeing it if you have the time. Thank you!
March 9, 2016
My son has suffered from chronic debilitating migraines for the past severely years. And like you has been on so many different drugs! He is now having Botox injections. And I can honestly say it has been life altering! In fact he has his life back! His neurologist is starting to wean him off of some of the drugs.
I wish you the same success that he has received! Good Luck! Ps.. He doesn't look weird at all! Look at it as a benefit in the aging process! ;)
I wish you the same success that he has received! Good Luck! Ps.. He doesn't look weird at all! Look at it as a benefit in the aging process! ;)
September 5, 2017
I have a 4 year history of migranes(well documented). I also have an eleven between my eyes due mostly from the pain of the migranes. Do you think a neurologist would be above putting a little botox in the eleven while he was injecting me for the migranes??
UPDATED FROM Margo Zargo
1 day post
I got the Botox injections done yesterday, and it...
I got the Botox injections done yesterday, and it only hurt a little bit. The pain is nothing compared to a migraine headache. The doctor told me not to lower my head for four hours, so no reading books, but using a computer was OK.
The doctor gave me an Rx for some pain cream, but I didn't have to fill it since the pain was only in a few spots and went away in about an hour.
The whole procedure only took about 1/2 hour once she started with the shots. It took the doctor more time to mix the medication before we started. She used five syringes, two giant ones with large needles, and three small ones with tiny needles. The large syringes were used for the back of my head and sides of my neck. The smaller ones were used for my forehead and temples. She started with the face injections firsts, then the temples, and did the back of my head and neck last.
I only have one small bruise on my face by my hair line, which can easily be covered with makeup. No pain anymore at all, and I don't see or notice any difference in the way my skin looks or moves.
The doctor said that it takes about one week for the shots to kick in, and that most people don't see any reductions in the amount of migraines they get until the second secession of shots, which are given in three months. I have a followup appointment in two months, and then a month after that I'll get the second set of shots.
I'll let you know in a week if any of my wrinkles smooth out since I know this Web site is really for beauty tips. I'm 52, so if they do, that it would be an extra plus, but I really, really want to get some relieve from my migraines.
The reason I decided to post here is because there are really no other sites that have honest user reviews about Botox, like the Real Self does. There are also no posts from people that have actually had Botox for migraines on this site, and all you can find on the Internet are articles about the procedure and some small, trial sample results.
I read all of the Botox posts here before my procedure, and I was thinking....I'm not going to do that, but once I got another terrible migraine, it didn't matter anymore.
The doctor gave me an Rx for some pain cream, but I didn't have to fill it since the pain was only in a few spots and went away in about an hour.
The whole procedure only took about 1/2 hour once she started with the shots. It took the doctor more time to mix the medication before we started. She used five syringes, two giant ones with large needles, and three small ones with tiny needles. The large syringes were used for the back of my head and sides of my neck. The smaller ones were used for my forehead and temples. She started with the face injections firsts, then the temples, and did the back of my head and neck last.
I only have one small bruise on my face by my hair line, which can easily be covered with makeup. No pain anymore at all, and I don't see or notice any difference in the way my skin looks or moves.
The doctor said that it takes about one week for the shots to kick in, and that most people don't see any reductions in the amount of migraines they get until the second secession of shots, which are given in three months. I have a followup appointment in two months, and then a month after that I'll get the second set of shots.
I'll let you know in a week if any of my wrinkles smooth out since I know this Web site is really for beauty tips. I'm 52, so if they do, that it would be an extra plus, but I really, really want to get some relieve from my migraines.
The reason I decided to post here is because there are really no other sites that have honest user reviews about Botox, like the Real Self does. There are also no posts from people that have actually had Botox for migraines on this site, and all you can find on the Internet are articles about the procedure and some small, trial sample results.
I read all of the Botox posts here before my procedure, and I was thinking....I'm not going to do that, but once I got another terrible migraine, it didn't matter anymore.
Replies (13)
August 20, 2012
How are you feeling today? I know it is really soon after your injections, but would be curious to hear if you can tell any difference yet.
Also, since you had mentioned an interest in other reviews about Botox use for migraines I dug up a couple for you:
Younger Looking & No More Migraines
Botox for Migraines Didn't Help Me...it Hurt Me
I'm glad you are adding such a detailed account to the community. I know this will be very helpful for others considering trying this treatment.
August 21, 2012
Hi Megan,
It's only been three days since I've had my injections, but I don't have any facial or neck pain from the shots. I'm still getting migraines, which is what is to be expected at this early stage.
I don't have the droopy eyelids, so far, as so many of the others on this site have mentioned. In the morning my eyelids do feel a little heavier, but I just splash cold water on them and that seems to work.
I'll update the post at the end of the week when the Botox is supposed to have fully kicked in.
I really appreciate the links to the other users on this site that have tried Botox for their migraines. I'm going to be following them and their progress.
I'll be very happy if this treatment works since I would like to discontinue taking the two medicines that I'm now taking for my migraines. The Sumatriptan and the Migranal Spray, both have unpleasant side effects, and my insurance plan only covers nine Sumatriptan pills a month, which in never enough. The Migranal Spray has an Rx co-pay of $100. My insurance picks up $1,000+ of the total cost. It really is appalling that medicines can be so expensive.
Megan, RealSelf is the best site on the Internet that I've found for information on Botox, and I've checked out many sites. Some of the sites, I think the posts are from Trolls that are just trying to get reactions. I went to one site, about Bad Botox, and everyone on the blog seemed to feel that they were getting mental illness from their Botox injections. Pretty weird...
Thank you for letting me share my progress with your readers.
It's only been three days since I've had my injections, but I don't have any facial or neck pain from the shots. I'm still getting migraines, which is what is to be expected at this early stage.
I don't have the droopy eyelids, so far, as so many of the others on this site have mentioned. In the morning my eyelids do feel a little heavier, but I just splash cold water on them and that seems to work.
I'll update the post at the end of the week when the Botox is supposed to have fully kicked in.
I really appreciate the links to the other users on this site that have tried Botox for their migraines. I'm going to be following them and their progress.
I'll be very happy if this treatment works since I would like to discontinue taking the two medicines that I'm now taking for my migraines. The Sumatriptan and the Migranal Spray, both have unpleasant side effects, and my insurance plan only covers nine Sumatriptan pills a month, which in never enough. The Migranal Spray has an Rx co-pay of $100. My insurance picks up $1,000+ of the total cost. It really is appalling that medicines can be so expensive.
Megan, RealSelf is the best site on the Internet that I've found for information on Botox, and I've checked out many sites. Some of the sites, I think the posts are from Trolls that are just trying to get reactions. I went to one site, about Bad Botox, and everyone on the blog seemed to feel that they were getting mental illness from their Botox injections. Pretty weird...
Thank you for letting me share my progress with your readers.
August 30, 2012
I could have written your headache story! My doctor just suggested the Botox injections like you have gotten. It has been sent to my insurance for authorization. The doctor said that it would require two vials of Botox for thirty-one injections, and that it would be performed on as an out patient basis for $5000. I am curious if your injections were in neurologist's office or out-patient? This price seems absurd to me! Would you mind telling me where, how much your doctor charged, and how much your insurance paid? My list of unsuccessful headache medicines is long and complicated. I hope that the Botox I an option that will help, and that I can afford the procedure.
Thanks for your story. I'll look forward to hearing positive results for you from this.
Migrainezilla
Dallas, Texas
Thanks for your story. I'll look forward to hearing positive results for you from this.
Migrainezilla
Dallas, Texas
August 30, 2012
Hi Migrainezilla,
So far I'm very happy with the Botox. I had a few terrible migraines the first three days after the shots, one lasted for six hours! I've been keeping a log for the doctor, but the few that I had since then have only been lasting for about a minute or two, what a different. I just hope it stays this way.
I had my shots done at the neurologist's office, and I was only there for about an hour. The shots only took about half an hour. It took her the first half hour to mix the medication, which she did in front of me.
Since my insurance is covering the procedure and the Botox, I'm only paying a $40 copy. The doctor's office still has not submitted the payment to my insurance, so I don't know what they're charging them, but I'll update my post when I find out. I do know that the doctor charges $428.00 per office visit. I won't know until I get the EOB how much she's charging them for the Botox and any extra for the injection procedure.
When I went to pay, the office manger told me that I had a $40.00 copay, but that she called my insurance again, and they told her that my total out-of-pocket might be higher than the $40.00 because they consider the shots in the head and neck to be surgery, but she said that it probably would only be another $90.00 Whatever...
Five thousand dollars seems really unreasonable! And, I don't have any idea as to why you'd have to be an out-patient, unless it's because your doctor and/or insurance classifies the whole thing as surgery.
As soon as I get the new itemized EOB, from my insurance provider - HealthNet, I'll update the post with the doctor's fees and the cost of the Botox.
I hope you feel better, and that your doctors can help you manage your migraine pain.
So far I'm very happy with the Botox. I had a few terrible migraines the first three days after the shots, one lasted for six hours! I've been keeping a log for the doctor, but the few that I had since then have only been lasting for about a minute or two, what a different. I just hope it stays this way.
I had my shots done at the neurologist's office, and I was only there for about an hour. The shots only took about half an hour. It took her the first half hour to mix the medication, which she did in front of me.
Since my insurance is covering the procedure and the Botox, I'm only paying a $40 copy. The doctor's office still has not submitted the payment to my insurance, so I don't know what they're charging them, but I'll update my post when I find out. I do know that the doctor charges $428.00 per office visit. I won't know until I get the EOB how much she's charging them for the Botox and any extra for the injection procedure.
When I went to pay, the office manger told me that I had a $40.00 copay, but that she called my insurance again, and they told her that my total out-of-pocket might be higher than the $40.00 because they consider the shots in the head and neck to be surgery, but she said that it probably would only be another $90.00 Whatever...
Five thousand dollars seems really unreasonable! And, I don't have any idea as to why you'd have to be an out-patient, unless it's because your doctor and/or insurance classifies the whole thing as surgery.
As soon as I get the new itemized EOB, from my insurance provider - HealthNet, I'll update the post with the doctor's fees and the cost of the Botox.
I hope you feel better, and that your doctors can help you manage your migraine pain.
August 31, 2012
Thank you for your very helpful information. I'm glad to hear that you are getting some relief with the injections. I'll be anxious to read more about your progress.
September 12, 2012
if you going to get droopy eyelids does it happen when you get the shots,or does it happen days or weeks does appear at anytime.does it make your forehead look big,does the injections make you feel funny in anyway.
September 12, 2012
i thank you ,very much ,for telling people about ,what you experience with botox for headaches, when my doctor mention it to me ,i was like are you for real ,i always thought that was use for wrinkles only, and when he said he wanted to use it for my headaches and that it requires 31 injections ,i was like i dont know about all that,i thought that was a bit much.i dont want to look like a freak lol.i was thinking with 31 injections , my forehead is going to look huge ,and all swollen up,bruised and my face would feel that it was paralysis.did you have any of those feeling,does it paralysis your face at all
September 12, 2012
My neurologist said that she really doesn't have any problems with the Botox causing droopy eyelids because it is injected into different places than a dermatologist would for wrinkles. She did say that she only once has had to give someone a fix whose one eyebrow was arching too high, but it can be fixed and so can the headaches. I noticed my wrinkles going away within one week. It's been a little over three weeks now, and I still look at least seven years younger. I was using my Photoshop program to enhance some pictures of me and a new puppy that I got last week, and I compared the pictures with some that were taken five years ago with my other dog, and I'm astounded at how much younger I look now. My forehead doesn't look big at all, and I was afraid of that, just look at all the celebrities that look so freakiest from over Botoxing. I going to add some untouched before and after pictures of my forehead soon.
May 5, 2015
I've written on this site. I had Botox for migraines over 3 years ago and suffer from the side effects of botulism from these injections. If you knew how much suffering this can cause you would not allow this done to you. Don't say your not warned!
June 3, 2018
The risk of botulism is actually quite tiny while the risk of living with a chronic daily migraine and abysmal quality of life without this drug is 100- speaking for myself (and many like me), another chronic migraineur.
March 9, 2016
May 6, 2016
I just had my first botox treatment for migraine today around noon. It's 2:30 pm now and so far the only thing that's a bit odd is this: the entire left side of my face, cheek, eye, head, ear, neck, shoulder & upper back "tingles" and feels "cold" (not to the touch, just a subjective feeling). I have never previously experienced this with cosmetic botox. Anyone else ever have this experience?
August 14, 2018
Yes. I just received my second round of botox 3 days ago and I am feeling a lot of tingling and some tenderness, neck stiffness, tension, and a slight headache that comes and goes. It almost feels like a migraine wants to start. My period is due in a few days so that could also be adding to my discomfort. On top of that it started to rain and I raced outside to my vehicle to get the windows up and jumped in quickly and mis judged the height and bumped the side of my head on my car, and anytime I bump my head I know I'm gonna pay for it later with a headache so I keep telling myself that this will be a true test if the botox can keep all of these factors at bay for me. I'm staying positive
UPDATED FROM Margo Zargo
6 days post
It's been one week since I got my Botox...
It's been one week since I got my Botox injections, and, so far, no change in the frequency or durations of my migraines.
I'm very happy with my appearance, though. I look about seven years younger, and I don't have any droopy eyelids, mannequin face, or a giant forehead like the Martians in the movie "Mars Attacks."
The best outcome so far is something that I never expected...
I'm also partially deaf, due to a virus I got five years ago, and to make a long story short, I now have only 20% hearing in my left ear and 80% in my right ear. I wear hearing aids in both ears, and that helps a lot with the hearing loss. However, I also have terrible tinnitus in my left ear, and about three days ago, I noticed that the ringing and high-pitched whining, electric buzzing noises in my left ear have been greatly diminishing. If it stays like this now, a light seashore noise, than that alone will make the injections worth it.
For the past few days, it has been the first time in the past five years that I'm actually able to concentrate on projects, instead of trying to concentrate over constant ringing noises in my left ear. I'm going to mention it to my neurologist when I go to my follow-up appointment in two months. This is one side-effect that I don't mind at all!
I'm very happy with my appearance, though. I look about seven years younger, and I don't have any droopy eyelids, mannequin face, or a giant forehead like the Martians in the movie "Mars Attacks."
The best outcome so far is something that I never expected...
I'm also partially deaf, due to a virus I got five years ago, and to make a long story short, I now have only 20% hearing in my left ear and 80% in my right ear. I wear hearing aids in both ears, and that helps a lot with the hearing loss. However, I also have terrible tinnitus in my left ear, and about three days ago, I noticed that the ringing and high-pitched whining, electric buzzing noises in my left ear have been greatly diminishing. If it stays like this now, a light seashore noise, than that alone will make the injections worth it.
For the past few days, it has been the first time in the past five years that I'm actually able to concentrate on projects, instead of trying to concentrate over constant ringing noises in my left ear. I'm going to mention it to my neurologist when I go to my follow-up appointment in two months. This is one side-effect that I don't mind at all!
Replies (9)
September 1, 2012
I have had a second round of botox for my migraines. The first round my regular pain management doctor did the injections and with no problems. The second round was done by his partner because doctor # 1 moved 3 hours away. When I left the office I felt fine with little pain. I can say it has relieved the pain but by the second week my eye lids are drooping so bad I can barely see. What should I do? I see him again for a check up next week. I am having eye pressure pain in my right eye and it feels swollen. I really don't know if I should go to the ER or call my doctor before my check up. I am wondering if this will go away.
September 5, 2012
I just had botox for migraines. My forehead wrinkles are better. I am having headaches still but the type headaches seem to have changed. My right eye is swollen in tbe corner. Calling my Dr tomorrow. I had the shots 9 days ago
September 7, 2012
This is first site I've checked for Botox treatment for headaches. I had Translabyrinthine surgery to remove benign brain tumor in January 2012. I have had constant head pain ever since. Surgeon says I shouldn't have pain after this type of surgery .... I beg to differ. I am now seeing neurologist and after not getting relief from several preventive meds he is suggesting Botox and says that he has great results. it is now with insurance to get ok'd. I also have some minor paralysis with right eye and right side of mouth. Wonder if Botox would help this. I usually did not take anything for headaches previous to the surgery and it drives me crazy to take meds on a regular basis. But I am also thankful for them when the pain goes to 9-10. Right now Cambia Potassium powders give me relief but can only take them 9x a month. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and will share mine. Good Luck To All, Kathy
September 7, 2012
Long-term use of Botox has saved me from frequent, agonizing, migraine headaches! I survived a serious head injury (auto accident) that left me deaf in my right ear, fractured my skull in two places and left me with post-tramatic seizures and headaches. I suffered through headaches and my seizures lasted for 5 years then subsided. Frequent headaches were part of my life and I would often end up in the ER getting injections of Imtrex and Flexeril. 12 years after my accident (at the age of 30) I was introduced to Botox for cosmetic purposes. To my pleasant surprise, I noticed less and less headaches. I have regularly (every 4-5 months) received 30-40 units of Botox on my forehead and above my eyes and at the temple to alleviate my migraines. The biggest thing I notice is that once I get to about month 3, my headaches return with a vengeance! I have a Rx for Trexamet which, although it works, it certainly doesn't prevent the horrific headaches from occurring and ruining my day (or my job, etc). The medicine makes me feel tingly and knocks me out for nearly 8 hours after I take a pill. The downside is of course, the cost. I pay $11 per unit to receive my injections from a NP. She does a far superior job to the plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeons who have injected me in the past. Nurses are always cheaper and tend to give shots regularly (hence their better technique). Surgeons are just that, surgeons, so they have little expertise in just giving shots.
I spend (out of pocket no insurance) about $800-$1000 a year to get these shots and although I have had to go up to 6 months in between because of budgetary constraints, I always return to the shots as soon as I can afford them because there is simply no substitute. I understand insurance companies make you go through all kinds of hoops to get the cost approved (plus I don't get headaches in the back of my head or back of my neck and don't like the idea of getting long needles put into the back of my head just so I can save a couple of hundred dollars). I hope this information is helpful as I don't know anyone (besides myself) who has actually used botox for 12 years and is a chronic migraine sufferer.
I spend (out of pocket no insurance) about $800-$1000 a year to get these shots and although I have had to go up to 6 months in between because of budgetary constraints, I always return to the shots as soon as I can afford them because there is simply no substitute. I understand insurance companies make you go through all kinds of hoops to get the cost approved (plus I don't get headaches in the back of my head or back of my neck and don't like the idea of getting long needles put into the back of my head just so I can save a couple of hundred dollars). I hope this information is helpful as I don't know anyone (besides myself) who has actually used botox for 12 years and is a chronic migraine sufferer.
September 8, 2012
Thank you for your insight. If my insurance didn't pay for the Botox, I wouldn't be able to afford it. The hoops that you have to go through to get them to pay are not worth it. I had to try out at least seven different meds before they would pay, and all of them had terrible side effects. One of the meds, ABILIFY, after I took a low dosage of it for only two days, made me fall over, get dizzy, see everything blurred, and made my hair fall out. It was so bad that I thought I was having a stroke, and it almost sent me to the emergency room. My hair finally grew back, but it took months, and an extra 15 minutes to style my hair every morning just so the new growth would blend with the rest of my hair. I also had to pay the co-pay for all of the doctors' visits and the meds. I'm sure it cost my insurance company a lot more than just letting me try the Botox in the first place. Too much red tape.
September 12, 2012
I just received my first injections of Botox today. My neck feels a little stiff.....is this normal? Is it okay to lie down (on my back) at bedtime?
September 12, 2012
Don't lie down for at least 4 hours after your shots, so the Botox doesn't move. Using a computer is OK because you keep your head up, but reading a book and exercising is to be avoided for at least 4 hours. Once the 4 hours has passed you can do anything you want, lie on your back, go to sleep, bend and stretch, etc... Your doctor should have told you this, but, I know, they get busy and think that we know it by osmosis.
September 25, 2012
Thank you for the info. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks that I received my first Botox injections. The first few days after my injections my face & head were really swollen & sore. My headaches have gotten a little better, but I still have them everyday. I'm hoping that changes in my diet help in decreasing the number & severity of headaches that I have. I love hearing about everybody else's Botox experiences :)
November 21, 2013
We were hit by a TT truck this June and I have had the equiv. of a migraine from back to front on both sides 24/7 since it happened. Had two other kinds of blocks and Nuro is checking into Botox for me But I am not sure ---- it scares me b/c I never had any strong headaches before and they tell me I have lots going on in my neck, jaw, and head yet. It was good to read about someone who used Botox for your type of headaches b/c they are different when they come from an accident. Thank you for sharing
That is great that your insurance is going to cover this for you. Please do keep us informed if it helps, and what you experience with it. Migraines run in my family, so I will be very curious to hear.