Migraines and BOTOX®

Just about everyone has experienced a headache. Varying in intensity, headaches can be described as mild pangs that quickly disappear in a few seconds to fierce throbbing that may last for hours and even days. At their severest, most of us know them as migraines.

Migraines and more severe headaches are experienced by millions of people around the world generally from 10 to 50 years old, more commonly afflicting women than men. They can immobilize sufferers, making them unable to perform even the simplest of tasks. But migraines aren't just bad headaches; they are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and photophobia. An aura, also known as a warning sign, may be present up to a half hour before a headache is experienced. An aura is visible or a sensation. If it is visible, it is described as a shimmering light perceived around objects in a sufferer's field of vision. As a sensation, it includes dizziness and numbness of the extremities or face.

Migraines can be triggered by specific factors including hormonal changes, stress, depression and light exposure. The exact cause is unknown, but genes have been pinpointed.

While migraines are often treated with painkillers and other medications that have been specifically designed for the condition, in recent times Botox has become a popular alternative. Botox can reduce or eliminate migraines and tension headaches, sometimes immediately following injection. Though this indication is not FDA or Health Canada approved, the temporary relief from migraines lasting up to 6 months was experienced by patients who received Botox injections for cosmetic purposes (i.e. eliminating facial wrinkles). This was revealed in 2000 by an American physician, Dr. Richard Glogau. Research continues to be conducted to prove its effectiveness and safety.

Allergan, the makers of Botox, are seeking approval for the treatment of chronic daily headache (CDH). Sufferers of CDH experience migraines or intense headaches for 16 + days each month and therapies available are inadequate.

Currently, Botox is approved by Health Canada as a treatment for crossed eyes, eye and facial spasms, foot deformity, spasticity, hyperhidrosis, and wry neck. For cosmetic purposes, it has been approved as a solution for frown lines.

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