Neurotoxin Therapy for Migraine
Neurotoxin therapy using Botulinum toxin can be an effective preventive treatment for suitable patients experiencing chronic migraine. The treatment works by injecting small amounts of Botulinum toxin into specific areas around the head and neck to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
Chronic migraine is generally characterised by headaches occurring on 15 or more days per month, with migraine features present on a significant number of those days. Neurotoxin treatment may be considered when migraines are frequent, persistent or have not responded adequately to other treatment options.
What to Expect
Before treatment, you will first have a consultation with Dr Debo Gorai to review your migraine history, symptoms and previous treatments. A referral from your doctor is required for assessment and consideration of Botulinum toxin therapy.
If treatment is considered suitable, injections are administered at a number of specific sites around the forehead, temples, scalp, back of the head and neck. The existing Synapse Neurology page also illustrates these typical injection areas for chronic migraine treatment.
Treatment is commonly repeated approximately every 12 weeks. It may take more than one treatment session before the full benefit can be assessed, so patients are often encouraged to continue treatment for at least two sessions where clinically appropriate.
Keeping a headache diary can also be helpful. Recording the number of headache and migraine days each month allows your neurologist to monitor your progress and assess how well the treatment is working.
Botulinum injection sites for chronic migraine:
Preparing for Your Appointment
If you are attending for chronic migraine treatment:
- Please avoid wearing foundation or facial makeup on the day of treatment.
- If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie.
- Bring information about your migraine history and current medications.
- A headache diary can be useful when discussing your symptoms and response to treatment.
If you experience frequent or chronic migraines and would like to discuss whether Botulinum toxin treatment for migraine may be appropriate, Synapse Neurology provides specialist neurological assessment and migraine management in Melbourne.
To arrange a consultation with Dr Debo Gorai, contact Synapse Neurology on (03) 8582 6945.