Botox For Chronic Migraine Specialist

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a severe type of headache that reoccurs. It can be disabling and difficult for you and the people you know. It is very common and affects 12% of the population.

There are different states:

• Low-frequency migraine is defined as less than 10 headache days per month.
• High-frequency migraine is defined as 10 to 14 headache days per month.
• Chronic migraine is defined as 15 or more headache days per month.

What is Botox?

Botox is a medication formulated from the botulinum toxin. It is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, that causes botulism. When the botulinum toxin is purified and used in tiny doses in specific areas, it temporarily eliminates or reduces muscle contractions for about 3 months.

Does Botox for migraines work?

Botox is a FDA approved treatment for chronic migraine headaches. Botox has been a FDA-approved preventative treatment for chronic migraine since 2010. It prevents headaches and migraines before they start, unlike current medication treatments you take after a headache or migraine has already begun. On average, Botox can prevent 8 to 9 headache days per month. There have been over 2 million Botox treatments given to patients with chronic migraines since its FDA approval.

What is Botox treatment like?

This treatment involves tiny injections of Botox into seven different head and neck muscles. It usually takes about 15 minutes. Dr. Bowers typically delivers the medication via a very tiny needle that might feel like a pinprick. Botox may take one or two treatment sessions to see the maximum benefits. Patients typically receive Botox injections every 3 months to treat migraines. It is important to receive this treatment quarterly so that your migraines do not return.

What are the possible side effects of Botox?

The most common side effect is a sore neck. Other side effects were reported but rare, and will be discussed in detail during your consultation visit.

How do I know if Botox for Migraines will work for me?

Botox is an excellent treatment for chronic migraines for anyone who has tried traditional migraine medications but are currently unhappy with their medications or have not gotten enough relief. You may start to feel results as early as the first month and the reduction in headache days may continue to improve over the course of 6 months. After 2 treatments( 3 months apart), you should know whether Botox is the right choice for treatment of your migraine headaches. Based on careful consultation and evaluation results, Dr Bowers and patients will discuss continuing treatment after the first 2 injections. If you do not get treated every 3 months, you may not get the full benefit or benefits may decline as the Botox wears off.

How much does Botox for migraines cost? Is Botox for migraines covered by insurance?

You could pay as little as $0 for Botox treatments out of pocket. Most PPO insurance plans cover the majority of Botox for migraine costs for qualified patients. Our office will work directly with your insurance to get prior authorization and approval. Also, if you are eligible, the Botox Savings Program may reimburse you to help with any remaining costs such as deductibles or coinsurance.

Why should I see Dr. Bowers for headache solutions?

Dr. Bowers is a top Seattle Bellevue migraine headache and chronic pain specialist with extensive experience in treating all headaches and migraines. He has many years of experience treating chronic migraines with Botox. Botox is a very targeted treatment approach that has less side effects then taking medications that can affect your entire body. Botox is also a preventive treatment which can decrease the likeliness of breakout headaches that will require additional medication.

Book your consultation to see a top headache and migraine specialist who can accurately diagnose the subtype of headaches that you are experiencing, and come up with a customized treatment plan for you.