Botox for Migraines?
 

Hello! Hope everyone is feeling well today.

It has been a long time since I have posted anything here. Just a quick update: On 8/28/11 I was wake-boarding and had a pretty nasty fall. I hit the water face first at approx 17mph. I have had a continuous headache with persistent migraines as well as other cognitive deficits since the accident. My diagnosis is officially mTBI with Chronic Post Traumatic Migraine.

My Neurologist referred me to a specialist at the Stanford Neuroscience Clinic. The Stanford doctor recommended Botox injections in my skull and neck to help treat my cronic headache/migraine.

Does anyone have any experience with Botox as a treatment for headaches/migraines? Did it work for you? Any tips or advice?

I am open to this treatment, but want to know more about it before I commit.

Thanks for your support.
Hope everyone is having a good day. :)

Ruby,

I think that everyone reacts differently to medications. I have been given the Botox shots for chronic migraine. the first time that I had it done the doctor did the face and the back of the head (occipital). I found that my neck was painful, really painful for two months after the shots. It felt like I had to hold my neck up. I couldn't't bend down easily.

When the Botox started to wear off, my neck felt better. So the next time that I had Botox injections, the doctor did not inject the back of the head. And my neck was fine.

I do find that Botox helps the headaches. In my case it doesn't prevent them completely, but it lessens how often I get them and how long they last.

However, it is a toxin, and I don't like having it injected in me. So I hope to be able to stop using it. I am also doing acupuncture and taking Chinese herbs.

My hope is that eventually between the Botox and the acupuncture, I will get well enough that I won't need the shots anymore.

If you have any questions, you can private message me.
Good luck, and let us know how you are doing.
ShellyK

What other things have you tried for your upper neck? Do you ice your upper neck regularly?

An MRI of your C-1 with your head turned sharply to the left and sharply to the right may show an injury that needs treatment. An MRI with your head and neck straight will not be as useful.

The BOTOX shots may help. Everyone is different.