Botox was suggested by my neuro after years of trying various meds for migraines, and blocks, 'injection' treamnts (Lidocaine & Sarapin worked but duration of relief varied)
besides migraines, which i've gotten since child, other "headache' DX: TN, ON (Occipital & Trigeminal neuralgia) cervical dystonia, and chronic post concussive headaches .

Last year Dec i was given very minimal amounts of Myobloc (Type B). since was my first time-- "Botox naive" (as another post noted must start w/ smaller amounts & increase) Because we'd been discussing for awhle my neuro realized this was my first treatmt, and would not be treating all the areas he'd put X's on --from neck up across forehead.
He focused on cervical, occipital areas; said would expand into more areas w/ more drug , in successive treatmts every 3 mths.

within hour I was feeling 'release'-- less tension esp on Left side; in next days fewer muscle spasms, and more tho minimal pain relief.
hopeful-- this seemed promising.
about this time many reports came out about Botox (medical use) & risks including deaths.
after much thought, more research, felt given what could, may happen vs what was, wanted to continue, since it was one of the more promising treatmts and my neuro had exressed optimism & 'success' w/ other patients.
but I wasn't able to continue, for past year due to insurance denials.

a few mths ago neuro office called said Botox was again "approved'; they ran into problems getting the drug but did & scheduled appt.
I had mixed feelings-- i'd read more 'scares', questioned this neurotoxin but since no other treatmts /options, decided to try again.
Knowing it could take time, and successive treatmts, as other post noted - to be effective--some say have to go back every 3 mths for 'maintainence'
which i was willing to do if helped (headaches had become very severe, debilitaing-- esp. after another concussion in Oct. )

!st Dec i got Botox ; this time was Type A (which per research is the one most used for Migraine. type B-- more for spasms; dystonia.

this time he treated more areas--from neck/cervical spine up back of head, into forehead. unlike prior treatmt, last year, i did not feel any improvement--actually got much worse--esp intense pain in neck, back of head; also injection sites were extremely painful . i'd not had this kind of pain w/ any prior injections in head (inc nerve blocks)
I was upset & disappointed.
Migraines & other headaches/pain also worsened.
in weeks since the intense pains have eased .
but i still have daily headaches, that vary
i realize mine are 'complex' and often don't know what pain is what-- is this migraine or ON?? or????? what--to do????

i am scheduled for more Botox march 1st-- not sure what i'm going to do, but may try again, to see if can or will help, with some headache/pain aspects-- like having fewer, or less severe, duration, as some others have reported who say they feel these benefits make botox worthwhile.

i don't know what to say except that i was very disappointed ; hoped for more, better...

i 'm waiting for appt w/ highly recommended Headache specialist; scheduled many months ago, Feb still seems far ....
but will be interesting to see what this DR says, may suggest. which may determine IF continue w/ Botox.

Hi pono,

I get horrible migraine headaches too. My epileptologist gave me Maxalt - his first choice wasn't covered by my insurance - it usually works okay. You can only take 3/per 24-hours though, due to it's restriction of blood vessel size. Another doctor added Toradol, to help get me through those days.

Gosh, I can't imagine getting Botox injections to avoid pain. I hope that it does work! I would be very skeptical, however, and be sure to research completely before committing to the decision.

Best wishes to you - feel better soon!
Heather