Additional Procedures
Other types of procedures are available to treat specific types of pain, including ketamine infusions, which are to treat various chronic pain syndromes that have a neuropathic component, and botox for chronic migraines.
Headache Treatment Specialist in Ankeny & Des Moines, IA
Headache Treatment Ankeny & Des Moines
Injections can help stop migraines before they start. When injected in small doses the Botulinum toxin protein is very good at blocking nerve signals. It can block the nerve signals that can lead to some headaches. During the procedure the doctor will give you series of injections in specific locations in your head and neck. The needle is small and the injections feel like tiny pin pricks.
How Is Botox Used To Treat Chronic Migraine?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is FDA-approved only for chronic migraine, meaning that it’s approved for patients who experience migraine headaches 15 or more days per month. For those who deal with chronic migraine, however, Botox is a marvelous medication that can help you get your life back. It’s one of the safest medications out there, even safer than aspirin or ibuprofen. Botox has no abuse potential, and it is not addicting. Serious side effects are extremely rare compared to other pain treatments. Side effects of Botox for migraines are minor and include swelling or bruising of the injection sides. Botox for migraine works very differently than Botox for anti-aging, so a migraine patient should not consider aesthetic Botox as a replacement. A Botox clinic will typically inject the medicine into concern areas to help reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. But migraine patients receive a different set of shots. Every three months, migraine patients are given 5 units (0.1mL) of Botox in 31 specific areas in the head, neck, back, and shoulders. Some patients are able to stay on Botox indefinitely if they see results from the treatment. Not all patients will see results, and Botox will not eliminate migraine headaches entirely. Botox has not been shown to be effective for other types of painful headaches, such as tension or cluster headaches. If you think Botox might be right for you, schedule an appointment for headache treatment in Ankeny today.