Over the past few years, a number of people undergoing botulinum (commonly known as Botox) treatments for facial wrinkles commented to their doctors that their headaches were better. This led to numerous studies looking at using this medication for tension, migraine and TMJ headaches.

 

A recent study published by the American Headache Society revealed that in about 80% of patients, after botulinum treatment, noticed that their headaches were less frequent, less intense, or both.

 

Although officially not FDA approved specifically for migraines, it is being widely used off–label for headaches when patients have failed traditional methods or medications. It is an up and coming alternative for people with severe or disabling headaches. Since it does not have FDA approval yet (until more formal studies are performed), insurances most likely will not cover these treatments.

 

The theory behind how it works is as follows: besides weakening muscle contraction by partially blocking the neurotransmitter that activates muscle contraction, botulinum also blocks certain pain receptors as well.

 

Despite past conventions, recent research has suggested that tension headaches and migraine headaches are not distinct entities, but opposite points along a headache continuum. This may be why botulinum helps with both tension and migraine headaches. TMJ disease could also be a part of this continuum.  

 

 

Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery

(212) 315-9058