Has anyone tried Botox for headaches?

Posted by mikaylar @mikaylar, Jan 26 10:08am

Was Botox successful? My doctor wants me to try it again. It did not work 8 years ago. I worry about the toxicity and my glaucoma and macular degeneration. Eye doc says it's okay, but they aren't his eyes.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Headache & Migraine Support Group.

ksdm | @ksdm | Jan 29 2:16pm

In reply to @jwilli4834 "It’s a super complex problem with many root causes for every individual. It’s also why there..." + (show)

Out of curiosity, where do they inject Botox for migraines?

mikaylar | @mikaylar | Jan 29 4:08pm

In reply to @ksdm "Out of curiosity, where do they inject Botox for migraines?" + (show)

Over brows, forehead, temples and on top of head.
It depends where the doctor deems best. I have macular degeneration and glaucoma so I have not decided if I will do this. If I do, I will make neurologist inject in back of my head, neck and shoulders if she will.

ksdm | @ksdm | Jan 29 4:46pm

Thanks! I sure hope it works for you! Remember, it may take a few days to kick in, at least that is what I was told and what I experienced.

jwilli4834 | @jwilli4834 | Jan 29 8:33pm

In reply to @ksdm "Out of curiosity, where do they inject Botox for migraines?" + (show)

For me, it’s 32 sites all over my head, trapezius, and neck. Everywhere that typical tension headaches arise from. Bonus, at 57 years old my forehead is smooth and free of wrinkles.

ronma | @ronma | Feb 27 3:12am

I haven't personally tried Botox for headaches, but I can share some thoughts on your situation.
It's understandable that you're hesitant about trying Botox again, especially given your previous experience and your eye conditions. While your eye doctor has cleared it, your concern about potential impacts on your glaucoma and macular degeneration is completely valid.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Feb 27 2:13pm

In reply to @ronma "I haven't personally tried Botox for headaches, but I can share some thoughts on your situation...." + (show)

Hi, @ronma. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It sounds like you have experienced headaches and may have tried some medical treatments or self-care.

ronma, what type of headaches did your doctor diagnose you with? What have you found helpful to get relief? Since this discussion is about trying onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), I note you said you've not tried this treatment. Is it one option presented to you by your doctor?

lorilynn13 | @lorilynn13 | Mar 2 9:41pm

In reply to @mikaylar "Over brows, forehead, temples and on top of head. It depends where the doctor deems best...." + (show)

along your hairline, down the back of your head across your shoulder from your neck to your end of your collarbone.... They hurt, I tried them once and since they hurt so bad for so long especially the ones from my eye brows, across the bridge of my nose, then around my hair line. When I got to my car I just sat and bald. I didn't have a Migraine when I got there but had a wicked one when I left. Tried it one more time and it was just as bad. They couldn't pay me too do it again. Good Luck with what you decide to do I hope it turns out positively.

mikaylar | @mikaylar | Mar 3 8:02am

In reply to @lorilynn13 "along your hairline, down the back of your head across your shoulder from your neck to..." + (show)

I tried it 2x 8 years ago with no results and not much pain. It was bearable.

sundancerdb78 | @sundancerdb78 | Mar 3 3:44pm

In reply to @lorilynn13 "along your hairline, down the back of your head across your shoulder from your neck to..." + (show)

YES! MY HEADACHES GOT WORSE ALONG WITH fatigue!
Sundance aka RB

chloeoh | @chloeoh | 6 days ago

I get Botox every 12 weeks. It has dramatically reduced my migraine days, but it took 3 rounds to see max benefit. I can always feel when it’s starting to wear off. It’s hyper localized so I don’t think it would impact your eyes.

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