Many of us have heard of Botox and know it as a “wrinkle reducer,” responsible for smooth foreheads all across the nation, however, Botox has also brought great relief to patients who suffer from chronic migraines. Park Primary Care, headed by Dr. George Thomas in Evergreen Park, offers this treatment option and has been successfully treating Chronic Migraine patients with Botox for 5 years with fantastic results. Dr. Thomas and his staff have outlined some of the top questions patients ask when it comes to this treatment option.
Chronic Migraines slowing you down? Relief is in sight at Park Primary Care!
Chronic migraines are defined as severe or debilitating migraines that cause symptoms 15 or more days per month with headaches lasting at least 4 hours. Many of our patients have actually suffered for years, simply treating their migraines symptomatically, because they did not know that there were preventable treatment options.
More than 15 days per month?
Do you suffer from headaches or chronic migraines more than 15 days per month with headaches lasting around 4 hours?
Have you already tried preventative prescription headache medication?
These may include examples such as:
- Antidepressant
- Antiseizure
- Beta-Blockers
- Calcium Channel Blockers, or ACE/ARB
Have you missed multiple days of work, school or social activities due to constant headaches?
How does Botox work for Chronic Migraine Treatment?
Botox is the first FDA-approved preventive treatment for Chronic Migraines and was approved back in 2010. Unlike acute treatments, which are taken to treat a headache or migraine once it has already begun, Botox prevents migraines and headaches before they even start by blocking the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. Patients who receive this treatment typically see greater than a 50% reduction in headaches, just days after their second Botox injection.
You may notice a reduction in headache days after your first BOTOX® for Chronic Migraine treatment, but 2 treatments, 12 weeks apart, are needed to experience full results. That’s how so many people—just like you—have treated their Chronic Migraine with BOTOX®.
What happens during treatment?
During treatment your provider injects Botox into 7 key muscle groups of the head and neck that contribute to the onset of migraines and headaches. By injecting Botox into these specific muscles, we are decreasing the force of those muscles and thus decreasing the number of headaches and migraines experienced by a patient. The procedure takes less than 20 minutes and requires no down time. Botox migraine treatments are performed every 12 weeks.
What is the cost associated with this treatment?
Most commercial insurances cover this procedure, with very little out of pocket costs. Allergan, the maker of Botox, has a “Botox Saving Program” which helps minimize patient out of pocket cost for treatment. Our staff helps patients enroll into this program and make sure they are getting the best savings possible.
How do I know if this is an option for me?
For a patient to start receiving Botox migraine treatment at Park Primary Care, they must first meet with one of our providers to discuss their migraine/headache history and other treatment qualifications.
See the treatment in action below:
Dr. Thomas also sees Botox patients for Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and Cervical Dystonia.
If you are interested in learning more please fill out the form below with the best way to contact you regarding Botox Migraine Treatments at Park Primary Care in Evergreen Park.