Chronic headaches and migraines are usually unbearable. Remedies such as laying down in the dark, medicating with over-the-counter painkillers, or taking a nap
hardly ever provide much relief; and when they do, the relief is only temporary because in just a few hours the headache or migraine returns. The FDA approved and dermatologists’ recommended solution for chronic headache and migraines among adults is the neuromodulator botulinum toxin type A. This article aims to shed light on the increasingly popular solution for combating tedious painful headaches.
This neuromodulator is a prescribed form of medicine that is injected into the muscles. In this particular case however, it targets and reduces chronic headaches that are “present more than 15 days per month”. The procedure is not available for children and has a specific criteria, namely, the presence of migraines or chronic headaches lasting four hours or more each day at 15 or more days per month in individuals who are over the age of 18.
Following an in-depth assessment of your medical history and current health your dermatologist will administer the neuromodulator using a needle and direct it to your muscle. The procedure is quite simple and requires very little time commitment. Injections are usually administered every 12 weeks and first-time patients may have to commit to two to four injections to see optimal results. The mechanism of neuromodulators for headaches is still a mystery as scientists and doctors continue to uncover exactly why it is so effective on chronic headache and migraine patients. The most popular theory however, purports that the chemical injection decreases muscle contractions and in the process, triggers a muscle that onsets migraines.
As far as safety is concerned, neuromodulators for migraines and chronic headaches is a safe and regularly practiced procedure. In fact, Health Canada approved this form of treatment in 2011. Although neuromodulator treatment has continued to be successful, we at Rao Dermatology always recommend that you check with your doctor first before commencing treatment.
If you would like more information on neuromodulators for chronic headaches and migraines, contact our office and we’ll assist you accordingly.
