Botulinum Toxin for Headaches and Migraine

The possibility that botulinum toxin might be useful in the treatment of headaches and migraines was first suggested when it was noticed that patients who suffered from these conditions who had botulinum toxin for cosmetic reasons often reported an improvement in their headaches after receiving the toxin.

Migraine is a particularly debilitating condition, the cause of which is still uncertain. The role of muscular tension is unclear, but studies into the use of botulinum toxin have been undertaken. Typical results from these studies show half of sufferers gaining complete relief from attacks, and another third having improvement in their symptoms. The remainder (17%) had no effect. Tension headaches have also shown similarly impressive results.

Typically the sites of injection are the same as some of those injected for cosmetic purposes, but also the muscle of the temple. The neck muscles may also be injected, but this can result in significant weakness and a resultant feeling of heaviness to the head.