{"id":26016,"date":"2026-04-12T21:31:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T01:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autumnhillmigrainepainclinic.ca\/new\/?page_id=26016"},"modified":"2026-04-12T21:45:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T01:45:27","slug":"botox-for-chronic-migraine","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/autumnhillmigrainepainclinic.ca\/new\/our-services\/botox-for-chronic-migraine\/","title":{"rendered":"Botox\u00ae for Chronic Migraine"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Botox\u00ae for Chronic Migraine<\/h2>

An effective treatment option for patients living with frequent headaches<\/strong><\/p>

Botox\u00ae has been approved for the treatment of chronic migraine since 2010. Dr. Barsoom has over 16 years of experience using Botox\u00ae as a safe and effective therapy for patients with migraine, in addition to its well-established use for conditions such as muscle spasticity, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and dystonia.<\/p>

\"\"Schedule a consultation<\/a> to see if Botox\u00ae therapy is right for you.<\/p>

What is Botox\u00ae?<\/h3>

Botox\u00ae is a purified protein derived from Clostridium botulinum. For decades, it has been used safely in medicine to treat:<\/p>

\u2022 Eye conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes)
\u2022 Muscle spasticity
\u2022 Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
\u2022 Overactive bladder
\u2022 Abnormal muscle contractions (dystonia)
\u2022 Blepharospasm (excessive blinking)
\u2022 Chronic migraine<\/p>

Botox\u00ae is also widely used in cosmetic medicine to smooth wrinkles. For migraine treatment, very fine needles are used to inject Botox\u00ae into specific muscles of the face, neck, and upper back.<\/p>

How Does Botox\u00ae Work for Migraine?<\/h3>

\u2022 Nerves communicate with muscles, glands, and sensory organs by releasing chemical messengers. These messengers can trigger muscle contraction, sweat production, and pain signals.
\u2022 Botox\u00ae blocks the release of these chemical messengers. This reduces muscle contractions, stops sweat production, and most importantly for migraine, decreases nerve activity that contributes to pain.
\u2022 In chronic migraine, sensory nerves become inflamed and hypersensitive. Botox\u00ae \u201ccalms\u201d these overactive nerves, lowering the release of pain-causing molecules and reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain\u2019s pain networks.<\/p>

Health Canada approved Botox\u00ae for the treatment of chronic migraine in 2011 after large clinical trials demonstrated its safety and effectiveness.<\/p>

How is Botox\u00ae Given for Migraine?<\/h3>

Botox\u00ae for migraine is administered using a standardized treatment approach known as the PREEMPT protocol (Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy).<\/strong> This protocol was developed through large clinical studies and is widely used by headache specialists around the world.<\/p>

During treatment, small amounts of Botox\u00ae are injected into specific muscles of the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck, and upper shoulders<\/strong> that are involved in migraine pain pathways. The treatment typically involves 31 small injections across several muscle groups.<\/strong><\/p>

These injections are performed approximately every 12 weeks.<\/strong> The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks by calming the overactive pain signaling around the head and neck.<\/p>

Accurate placement of injections is important for achieving the best results while minimizing possible side effects such as temporary neck discomfort or muscle weakness.<\/p>

Standard Injection Sites for the Botox\u00ae PREEMPT Migraine Protocol<\/p>

BOTOX\u00ae preempt Anatomy Poster<\/a><\/p>

Who is Botox\u00ae for?<\/h3>

Botox\u00ae is approved for chronic migraine, defined as:<\/p>

\u2022 15 or more headache days per month, for at least 3 months
\u2022 At least 8 of those days must have migraine features (e.g., throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light\/sound)<\/p>

Benefits of Botox\u00ae for Migraine<\/h3>

The main goal is to reduce both the frequency and severity of headaches. Results may vary, but studies show:<\/p>

\u2022 Many patients achieve over 50% improvement in migraine frequency and intensity
\u2022 About 23% of patients are \u201csuper-responders,\u201d improving by 75% or more
\u2022 Benefits are often sustained with continued treatment<\/p>

Other improvements may include:<\/p>

\u2022 Less severe migraine attacks
\u2022 Headaches that respond better to acute medications
\u2022 Reduced baseline headache or neck pain
\u2022 Greater tolerance to migraine triggers
\u2022 Improved overall functioning and quality of life<\/p>

How Long Does It Take to See Results?<\/h3>

\u2022 A trial of three treatment cycles (about 9 months) is recommended.
\u2022 Some patients notice improvement after the first cycle, while others may not improve until the third.
\u2022 The effect is often cumulative, with results building over time.<\/p>

Next Steps<\/h3>

Botox\u00ae is not suitable for every patient, but it can be life-changing for those with chronic migraine.
Ask Dr. Barsoom whether Botox\u00ae could be an option for your migraines, especially if other treatments have not provided relief.
For more detailed information, visit Migraine Canada \u2013 Botox for Migraines.<\/a><\/p>

References<\/h3>

Frampton JE, Silberstein S. OnabotulinumtoxinA: A Review in the Prevention of Chronic Migraine.<\/p>

Drugs.2018;78(5):589-600.
Ashkenazi A, Blumenfeld A. OnabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of headache. Headache. 2013;53 Suppl 2:54-61.<\/p>

Dodick DW, et al. OnabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of chronic migraine: pooled results from the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phases of the PREEMPT clinical program. Headache. 2010;50(6):921-36.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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