Treatment of Migraines and Headaches
Muscles that are located in the neck and head require a nerve impulse in order to become tense or knotted. Without this nerve stimulation, the muscles are not able to tense up causing a headache or migraine.
Botox Therapeutic ( a purified protein) is injected into the affected muscles and blocks the nerve impulse from reaching the muscles. This blockade permits the relaxation of the muscles injected and diminishes the transmission of pain signals.
Patients will notice an improvement in the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines over a 3 month period, after which time the treatment can be repeated. Often the second treatment is somewhat more effective than the first. It is unknown at this time if the benefits are cumulative with time. Onset of results is typically achieved within two weeks. Patients may choose to discontinue use of other prophylactic headache medications. Forehead frown lines and worry lines may disappear as a result of treatment.
Who can benefit from treatment with Botox?
Migraine patients
Patients suffering from tension-type headaches
Patients suffering from cervico-genic headaches
Patients with post traumatic headaches
Are there any risks?
There is a risk that the treatment will be ineffective - unfortunately not all people respond but many do
Temporary bruising may occur at the site of injection
The muscles that are responsible for raising the eyebrows, and the muscles that elevate and shrug the shoulders may be temporarily affected, but this is not a major concern
Most extended health plans will cover the cost of Botox Therapeutic (or portion thereof depending on the plan) for the treatment of headaches and migraines.
A prescription for Botox Therapeutic will be furnished at the first appointment. The treatment takes place at a subsequent visit. An injection fee is charged which is not recoverable under most extended health plans. Please note that this treatment is not a benefit under the MSP.
Treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction is unfortunately rarely covered under extended health plans.
Dr. Maloney is happy to provide headache/migraine treatments at:
Fraser ENT
101-8644 120 Street,
Surrey, B.C.
778-565-3239 (main)
778-565-3249 (fax)
www.fraserent.ca
dr.amanda.maloney@gmail.com
Triniti Laser Clinic and Medical Spa
210 6th Street,
New Westminster, B.C.
604-544-5666
www.trinitilaser.com
info@trinitilaser.com
Highland Salon and MediSpa
23315 Dewdney Trunk Road,
Maple Ridge, B.C.
604-467-3995
www.highlandsalon.ca
info@highlandsalon.ca