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Migraines & Botox

RNCollins

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I've been having migraine headaches for over 25 years. I've tried various medications, elimination of possible trigger foods, massage, chiropractor, exercise, tried to reduce stress, but at times it seems nothing works.

Has anyone tried Botox for their migraines? I am at my wits end and I'm willing to try anything at this point. What was your experience with the Botox?
 

VacationForever

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Have not heard of Botox for migraines. 3 things trigger my migraine - stress, lack of sleep and MSG. Eliminate them and no more migraine for me.
 

rhonda

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I used to suffer from migraines ... but haven't had a full-blown migraine headache in many years. Gladly, my migraines generally give advance warning of checkered vision about 25 - 40 minutes before the pain hits. During this warning period I can take several actions to thwart the pain, restore vision and regain 'control.'
  • Get away from the computer and/or fluorescent lighting. Seek either natural light or darkness.
  • Drink water! Avoiding dehydration goes a long way to prevent migraines.
  • Apply Peppermint Essential Oil to the temples, across the forehead (at the hairline) and base of skull. I carry a small atomizer of peppermint oil diluted in water in my purse at all times, for many various uses, including emergency headache relief. At home I'd rather a stronger concentration of peppermint oil in a carrier oil dotted at temples, etc.
  • Red light at temples and forehead. For this purpose, I use the 'standard' red-light from Photonic Health.
  • Last measure: Excedrin Migraine tablet. If nothing else has worked and I absolutely must soldier on -- I take an Excedrin Migraine tablet. They work for me -- but at a cost. They are a heavy does of caffeine (compared to my general life) and will prevent sleep and steal hydration (drink more water!).
I think the reason I haven't had one in a very, very long time goes back to massive changes in my diet starting about 5 years ago. I started juicing vegetables, gave up most breads, moved to "organic" options where possible, etc. I eat cleaner and, thanks to my Apple Watch, am reminded to be more consistent with exercise. So, lifestyle changes/choices beat "emergency options." But it is always good to have a few emergency options ready to go, if needed!

Best wishes with your research and relief!
 

clifffaith

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I have pretty much (knock on wood) "aged out" of migraines. I suffered from about seventh grade until I hit menopause. Constant, debilitating headaches. I had them for twenty years before that other layer of misery, the "aura headache", started hitting me once or twice a year. What really helped me, at the suggestion of my neurologist, was Vitamin B2. Two 100 mg tablets with breakfast, two at dinner. I am positive they helped because early on I would let myself run out for a couple days before getting myself over to GNC to buy more, and I would always get a headache. About 10 years ago I figured headaches weren't such an issue and thought I'd wean myself off of them, but then had some mild headaches, so figured why rock the boat. I still take B2 out of habit, and just discovered Walgreen's carries GNC products and that the store coupons that spit out at the register can be used on them. After reading about the hideous reaction a Hollywood mogul's wife had, resulting in years of far worse than headache pain and a lawsuit, I would be very leery myself.
 

SueDonJ

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I have a 28yo niece who's suffered with migraines since the onset of puberty. She tried changes in her diet, hormone therapies, vitamins, etc. Nothing worked for an extended period until she got Botox. It's been 18 or so headache-free months for her and she's so happy that she mentions it on her Facebook page every time someone asks about headaches. Her insurance covers this Botox treatment because all of the other remedies she'd tried were documented in her medical record. Minus that record she probably would have had to put up a fight.
 

itradehilton

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A coworker of mine gets the Botox shots for migraines and swears by them. They have helped for the last few years.
 

JudyH

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My migraines got worse after menopause. I think the criteria for Botox is 14 days or more of Migraines a month. I have about 8-10 days. I have tried Topamax which made me feel dull. Then a doctor down here in FL was recommended, an interventional radiologist, who put a thin tube up my nose and injected lidocaine into the nerve bundle that's behind the sinuses. That did nothing. He also recommended 3mg of slow release Melatonin nightly. All that did was give me vivid nightmares.
So the only thing that helps is a medication called Treximet which is sumatriptan and Aleve in combination. If I take it at the beginning it eliminates the Migraine in an hour. Rarely I have to take another the next day. They are very expensive.
My triggers are vodka, too much screen time late at night, lots of loud noise for several hours (think bar or club), and social situations I really don't want to be doing. Like tonight for dinner out in a loud restaurant with a very loud obnoxious relative.
 

Htoo0

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My wife gets Botox for her migraines. Something like 31 shots every 3 months. Seems to be working pretty well so far. She does occasionally get a headache however.
 

bluehende

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If you have not already read it, Time magazine did a good article on this some weeks ago.
 

RNCollins

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If you have not already read it, Time magazine did a good article on this some weeks ago.
Thanks for the info on the Time magazine article. I will have to look for it.
 

MULTIZ321

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Thanks for the info on the Time magazine article. I will have to look for it.
11 Surprising Uses for Botox
By Alexandra Sufferlin/ Medicine/ Time/ time.com

"Though it's best known for smoothing wrinkles, Botox, which is derived from one of the most deadly toxins known to man, has repeatedly stunned the medical community for its seemingly endless applications. Though the drug is approved for nine medical conditions and several cosmetic ones, Allergan, the company that owns Botox, holds close to 800 more patents for potential uses of the drug. Since it was approved nearly 30 years ago, Botox has indeed become a staple of cosmetic enhancement, but today, more than half of its revenue comes from its therapeutic uses for conditions as varied as chronic migraines and back pain to excessive sweating and twitching eyelids...."


Richard
 
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