Do you suffer from migraines? Chronic migraines can be debilitating and can significantly impact sufferers' quality of life. But over the past few years, botulinum toxin injections (Botox®) have decreased the number of headache days for many people who found little relief from other treatment options.
Dr. Zach Egger and Katie Luthy, PA-C, offer chronic migraine Botox® services at Phelps Medical Group. Here are common questions answered by our medical providers regarding Botox® treatments.
Q: How do you know if someone is a candidate to receive Botox® injections for Migraines?
The process starts with scheduling a consult at Phelps Medical Group. During this visit we review your past medical history including, but not limited to: previous treatments/therapies which you have used. We also perform a detailed questionnaire addressing specifics about your headache history. After the consult we start the process of a benefit verification and prior authorization with your insurance company to determine coverage for the Botox® treatments. If approval is granted we then schedule you for the Botox® procedure in the clinic.
Q: How do Botox® injections help with migraines?
Botox® helps to prevent headaches and migraines before they start. On average 8-9 headache days and migraine/probable migraine days a month. Results may be felt as early as 4 weeks but full effect of treatments is more common after 2 full treatments, 12 weeks apart.
Q: What is the treatment like?
The treatment itself is minimally invasive and outpatient, meaning you are able to go home following the procedure. The injections are performed using a thin needle, injecting 7 proven effective sites on the head and neck. The injections are done in shallow muscles, not too deeply beneath the skin. Injections themselves feel like small pinches or pinpricks to the injection site area.
Q: How long does the procedure take and how often do I have to get the injections?
The procedure itself takes on average 15 minutes to perform. Treatments are administered every 12 weeks.
Q: Are there any side effects for this procedure?
Similar to all medications, there is a risk of side effects with Botox®. Most common side effect is pain at the injection site. Another common side effect documented is neck pain, experienced by less than 10% of patients. A full list of side effects is provided by the Botox® Company for review in their medication guide, which we can provide if desired.
Q: If someone thinks Botox® might help their migraines, how can they seek treatment?
The first step is to call the clinic to schedule a consult to review your headache history and determine qualifications for the treatments. If you have a diagnosis of chronic migraines that is not well controlled with your medications, and you still have 15 or more headache days per month, contact Zach Egger, DO, or Katie Luthy, PA-C at Phelps Medical Group, 308.995.6111.
