Migraines are more than simply a bad headache. They can cause intense or throbbing head pain alongside symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, sometimes making everyday activities difficult. For people living with chronic migraine, attacks can have a significant effect on work, sleep and quality of life.
At Pure Perfection, anti-wrinkle injections may be offered for suitable patients with chronic migraine. This is a medical use of botulinum toxin and is different from having anti-wrinkle treatment for cosmetic concerns. Your migraine history and suitability for treatment will need to be carefully assessed before treatment is recommended.
What Are Migraines?
Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause recurrent attacks of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by other symptoms.
Pain may be throbbing or pulsating and can affect one or both sides of the head. Some people experience nausea, vomiting or increased sensitivity to light, sound and smells. Others experience an aura before or during a migraine, which can include visual disturbances, tingling or changes in speech.
The frequency and severity of migraines vary considerably. Chronic migraine refers to a specific pattern of frequent headaches and requires appropriate clinical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
What Causes Migraines?
There is no single cause of migraine. It is thought to involve changes in the nerves and blood vessels within the brain, with genetics also playing an important role.
Individual attacks can be triggered by different factors. These may include stress, hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, dehydration, missed meals, alcohol and certain environmental stimuli.
Triggers are highly individual and are not necessarily the underlying cause of migraine. Keeping track of when attacks occur can sometimes help identify patterns, but persistent or frequent migraines should be medically assessed.
Treatments for Migraines at Pure Perfection
Botulinum Toxin Treatment
Botulinum toxin injections can be used as a preventative treatment for appropriately diagnosed chronic migraine.
Treatment involves a series of injections into specific areas around the head and neck. It works differently from cosmetic anti-wrinkle treatment, with a defined medical treatment pattern used to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine symptoms in suitable patients.
Treatment is not designed to stop an individual migraine once it has started and is not appropriate for every type of headache or occasional migraine.
Before treatment, your migraine history will be reviewed to establish whether you may be suitable. Where symptoms require further investigation or diagnosis, you may be advised to speak to your GP or an appropriate medical specialist first.
FAQs
Can botulinum toxin be used to treat migraines?
Yes. Botulinum toxin is an established preventative treatment for chronic migraine in appropriately selected patients. It is different from cosmetic anti-wrinkle treatment and requires appropriate assessment.
Is migraine treatment the same as cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections?
No. Although both use botulinum toxin, migraine treatment follows a specific medical injection protocol involving multiple areas around the head and neck.
Will treatment stop a migraine that has already started?
No. Botulinum toxin is used as a preventative treatment for chronic migraine rather than to stop an individual migraine attack once it has begun.
How quickly does migraine treatment work?
The response varies between individuals and improvement is not necessarily immediate. Your practitioner will explain when an effect may be expected and how your response should be assessed.
When should headaches be medically assessed?
New, severe, rapidly worsening or unexplained headaches should be medically assessed. Urgent medical attention is particularly important for a sudden extremely severe headache or a headache accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, fever or significant visual or neurological changes.