Where do they inject Botox for migraines?

Key Points

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for migraines is injected into 7 specific muscle areas around your head and neck to help prevent migraine headaches or migraine attacks before they start. Botox migraine injection sites include the forehead, bridge of the nose, the temples, the neck, the back of the head, and just above the shoulder blades in your upper back.

Botox is used in adults to prevent chronic migraine headaches or migraine attacks that occur on 15 or more days per month and that last for at least 4 hours.

Botox is not approved for the prevention of of episodic migraine (14 headache days or fewer per month), and also should not be used to treat a common tension headache.

Botox injections for migraine prevention should be given only by a trained medical professional.

How many Botox injections do you get for migraine?

With each doctor visit, Botox for migraine injections are divided across 7 specific head and neck muscle areas for a total of 31 injections. Each injection takes about 15 minutes and feels like a small pinch. Immediately after the treatment, most people can return to their daily activities.

How often do I get Botox injections for migraine?

In general, most people start with 2 treatments, 12 weeks apart, and then treatment is continued every 12 weeks. You will receive injections 4 times per year or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Some patients may feel headache results as soon as 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

Bottom Line

• Botox is injected into 7 specific muscle areas around your head and neck to help prevent migraine headaches or migraine attacks before they start.
• Areas include the forehead, bridge of the nose, the temples, the neck, the back of the head, and just above the shoulder blades in your upper back. With each treatment you will typically receive a total of 31 injections across these sites.
• You will visit your doctor 4 times per year for your treatment, or as directed.

This is not all the information you need to know about Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for safe and effective use for migraine. Review the full Botox product information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor.