When are Botox injections used for chronic migraine?
Botulinum toxin injections can prevent chronic migraine in selected adults after specialist assessment. They are not a treatment for every headache or a way to stop an ongoing attack. Selection considers headache frequency, previous preventive treatments and acute-medicine overuse.
Details
What counts as chronic migraine?
This generally means headache on at least 15 days a month, including at least eight with migraine features, for more than three months. Counting days alone does not establish the diagnosis; other causes must be considered.
Why specialist assessment matters
The clinician reviews preventive medicines already tried, their tolerability and any medication overuse. Injections follow a medical head-and-neck protocol. A headache diary helps assess benefit and whether treatment should continue. Cosmetic injections are not an equivalent treatment.
Benefits and precautions
Headache days may decrease without disappearing completely. Discuss local pain, muscle weakness, blood-thinning medicines, pregnancy and any neuromuscular conditions before treatment. Response is assessed over treatment cycles rather than promising a guaranteed result after one session.
Related reading: How can I manage a migraine attack without overusing painkillers?.