Migraine sufferers, has anyone tried Botox, what do you think?

2 Feb 2012

I have had 5 Botox treatments to help prevent my migraines, at times I was having migraines daily or several a week. I found that it works to stop migraines from lesser triggers, but will not allow you to eat or due things that would cause a severe migraine as you will get it to a lesser degree. Mild migraines you likely will not feel at all. It takes 1 to 2 weeks to start working and has lasted for me 5 months ( this varies by the person).

4 Feb 2012

Botox injections have given me tremendous relief. But the first time I had it with 100 units, it did nothing for me. But when the doctor raised the amount to 225 units, it was a remarkable difference. I need them every 10 weeks, but then I had exceptionally severe migraines from a stroke. No real side effects other than some tenderness where the injections were temporarily. Definately worth the very short pain compared to the migraines. Plus it takes away any wrinkles in your forehead. LOL

4 Feb 2012

Oh, I just saw your response to the last answerer. I now get a total of 25 injections--more than I was getting originally. It does hurt across the forehead, but so quick is the pain. The majority of mine are in the back of my head, top of my neck and shoulders. If you have a problem with needles, see if they can give you some medication to put you out of it some.

4 Feb 2012

And yes, I do still take 3 daily medications as prophylactics and also need pain medication about 2x per week for severe migraines. Plus I still badly need nerve block injections every 4 weeks. But remember, my migraines were severe 24/7 and thought to be very difficult to treat due to the cause being my stroke. Now having mild headaches most days of the week is a stunning improvement for me.

20 Feb 2012

To shopgirly and others,
You said that your insurance does not cover Botox. Mine didn't either. We contested it through the insurance company, then you can appeal their refusal to give it to you through your State insurance agency. Our state in Michigan said that the insurance company would have to cover it. One of our arguments was that the FDA had approved it for migraines on October 15, 2010. If you have migraines at least 15 days out of the month and have unsuccessfully tried daily prophylactic medications and you have a doctor's letter stating those things and that they think that you would benefit from it, then you have a good chance of having it covered.

I know that may seem like a lot of work to many of you. I was just so desperate for the help. The first several injections I paid for myself and saw the terrific results before the FDA approved it. Once it was FDA approved, we went on the "band wagon" in pursuit of having it paid for and won.

Sara