Botox Headache Treatment Information

Botox is somtimes used for the treatment of headaches. The Botox headache treatment has been found to give relief to headache sufferers. The treatment of severe headaches really belongs to neurologists, not plastic surgeons -- however. the botox headache treatment methods and procedures are gaining acceptance across the world.

One study that was done by Dr. Richard Glogau, MD, UCSF professor of dermatology had produced a small study of 24 patients and reported that 75 percent of patients in his case study experienced 4 to 6 months of headache relief following injections of BOTOX®® (botulinum toxin A) to muscles of the face and head in a presentation at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery meeting (held November 2-5).

The results of this study seemingly adds more credibility to the idea that Botox headache treatments may be effective. Two previous studies were presented at the 1999 meeting of the American Association for the Study of Headache. One study was reported by researchers at the Michigan Head Pain and Neurological Institute in Ann Arbor and Michigan State University spoke of dosage. Another study, reported by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, reported 51 percent of 96 patients reported complete improvement of their headache pain.

Following this discovery, Glogau and other researchers began to evaluate Botox injection points and dosages that could alleviate headaches. Glogau's results indicate that botulinum toxin A injected into the muscles of the brow, eyes, forehead, side of the head and back of the head near the neck (a point that earlier investigators have neglected) induce sometimes immediate headache relief and provide benefit for up to six months. BOTOX® dosage in his case studies averaged 80 units per patient.

In using Botox to treat headaches and other severe headaches, there are still some questions -- such as what is the optimal dose, and where should Botox be injected to get the best results? Two large studies are currently under way at headache clinics around the country that may provide those answers.

Have more questions about Botox being used to treat headaches? Be sure to contact your personal physician.