Migraines are a type of recurring headache. These headaches cause a throbbing or pulsing sensation that most often affects one area of the head. The pain from a migraine may last a few hours or a few days. 

In addition to head pain, many people with migraines have other symptoms such as sensitivity to light or nausea and vomiting. They may also have symptoms before and after their migraine. 

Migraines are common, affecting 12% of people in the United States. However, the frequency of the pain varies. Some people have migraines once a year; others once a month. If you have 15 or more migraine headaches a month, you have chronic migraines.

No matter how frequently you have head pain, migraines are a long-term condition. Migraine treatment includes abortive and preventive medications.

Abortive medications

Abortive medications work best when taken at the start of your migraine headache when the pain is relatively mild. These medications may stop the progression of your migraine pain or decrease the severity.

Examples of abortive medications include over-the-counter migraine medications and prescription medications such as the triptan class of drugs (sumatriptan).

Preventive medications

If you have severe migraine headaches that occur four or more times a month, then you might benefit from preventive migraine medications. You regularly take these medications to prevent migraines from occurring.

Beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications are preventive medications for migraines. 

Botox injections are also a preventive treatment for migraines that Southern Idaho Pain Institute provides. 

How do Botox injections for migraines work?

The team at Southern Idaho Pain Institute uses Botox injections to treat chronic migraines. 

Researchers are still investigating how Botox helps migraines but theorize that the injection blocks the neurotransmitters that carry pain signals to the brain.

When treating migraines with Botox, your pain management specialist administers several injections on both sides of your head. If your migraine pain tends to occur in one specific area, your provider may inject more Botox in that spot.

You should notice improvements in your migraines about three weeks after your first set of injections. The team recommends repeating the injections every 12 weeks to prevent migraines.

To get help for your migraines, call Southern Idaho Pain Institute or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool today.