Where do they inject Botox for migraines?
Key Points
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for migraines is injected into 7 specific muscle areas around your head and neck to help prevent migraine headaches or migraine attacks before they start. Botox migraine injection sites include the forehead, bridge of the nose, the temples, the neck, the back of the head, and just above the shoulder blades in your upper back.
Botox is used in adults to prevent chronic migraine headaches or migraine attacks that occur on 15 or more days per month and that last for at least 4 hours.
Botox is not approved for the prevention of of episodic migraine (14 headache days or fewer per month), and also should not be used to treat a common tension headache.
Botox injections for migraine prevention should be given only by a trained medical professional.
How many Botox injections do you get for migraine?
With each doctor visit, Botox for migraine injections are divided across 7 specific head and neck muscle areas for a total of 31 injections. Each injection takes about 15 minutes and feels like a small pinch. Immediately after the treatment, most people can return to their daily activities.
Related questions
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- How many units of Botox are used for migraines?
How often do I get Botox injections for migraine?
In general, most people start with 2 treatments, 12 weeks apart, and then treatment is continued every 12 weeks. You will receive injections 4 times per year or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Some patients may feel headache results as soon as 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Bottom Line
- Botox is injected into 7 specific muscle areas around your head and neck to help prevent migraine headaches or migraine attacks before they start.
- Areas include the forehead, bridge of the nose, the temples, the neck, the back of the head, and just above the shoulder blades in your upper back. With each treatment you will typically receive a total of 31 injections across these sites.
- You will visit your doctor 4 times per year for your treatment, or as directed.
This is not all the information you need to know about Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for safe and effective use for migraine. Review the full Botox product information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor.
References
- Botox [onabotulinumtoxinA] Product Information 7/2020. Allergan.Madison, NJ. Accessed Oct. 14, 2020 at https://media.allergan.com/actavis/actavis/media/allergan-pdf-documents/product-prescribing/20190620-BOTOX-100-and-200-Units-v3-0USPI1145-v2-0MG1145.pdf
- Botox Chronic Migraine.com website. Accessed Oct 14, 2020 at https://www.botoxchronicmigraine.com/chronic-migraine-treatment
Read next
How much does Botox cost?
The cash price for Botox is around $677 to $1,344 for a 100 or 200 unit vial, but you will not pay this price. Most people (80%) pay $0 and may save money on the injection procedure with the Botox Savings Program offered through AbbVie, the manufacturer of Botox. Continue reading
What is Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox is a procedure where Botox is injected directly into your masseter muscle – this is one of the muscles located on the side of your face that helps you chew. The masseter Botox procedure has become popular recently because it can slim a square face and reshape the jaw line. The cosmetic benefits of this procedure were discovered by accident – the original reason Botox was injected into the masseter muscle was to relieve teeth grinding (also called bruxism) and jaw pain or tension. Continue reading
How does Botox work for migraines?
Botox is a migraine prevention medicine injected into muscles in the head and neck every 12 weeks. It helps to block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that carries pain signals. In studies, Botox prevented 8 to 9 headache days a month, compared to 6 to 7 days for patients given a placebo. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Botox Information for Consumers
- Botox prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Botox (detailed)
Related support groups
- Botox (26 questions, 158 members)