A report from the American Headache Society at their Annual Scientific Meeting in July 2006 highlighted a study of 271 patients with a history of migraine and/or headaches who had been treated with Botox® (Allergan). This was the largest controlled scientific study to date and the results were impressive.

80% of treated patients said that their head pain was less frequent, less intense or both. Three quarters of these patients had tried many other therapies without success. Half had been over-using medication in an effort to relieve pain.

In the study, patients were treated every three months with a minimum of 2 treatments and a maximum of 5 treatments.

• 80% (217) said their head pain episodes were less frequent, less intense or both
• 60.5 % (164) reported good to excellent pain relief
• 19.5 % (53) reported some relief
• 20 % (54) reported no relief

Compared to standard medications, which can cause a number of side effects, such as upset stomach, drowsiness and weight gain, side effects from Botox are relatively rare. 95% reported no side effects.

How does Botox work in Headache relief?

Botox is injected in the muscles of the forehead and also the neck. The underlying muscles that have been targeted are subsequently weakened and this is thought to break the tension/pain/tension cycle that can frequently escalate into severe headache or migraine.

Recent research has also suggested that the nerve fibres carrying nocioception (pain) are also blocked by Botox and this has an additive effect in the pain reduction. Varying amounts are needed to achieve relief and it is usual to repeat the dose three months after the first dose.

One side effect of this treatment which is usually welcomed by patients is the cosmetic effect of fewer wrinkles and frown lines in the forehead.

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