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Poison the Pain - Botox for Migraines

A quick shot of Botox can improve one's face. Did you know it could also make you feel better? Moreover, we are not just alluding to self-esteem here. Migraineurs longing to erase some crinkles in their foreheads discovered a lucky side effect of the cosmetic treatment-fewer migraines.

Botox, botulinum toxin type A, is a neurotoxin most recognized for its help in erasing crinkles. The FDA initially permitted it in 1989 as a therapy for eye muscle ailments, and the aesthetic use came later.

Botox is deemed to work by weakening or immobilizing the muscles by terminating or slowing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). ACh communicate the signal from nerve to nerve to produce muscle contraction. When ACh creation is slowed down, muscles relax, including those that cause crinkles.

Acetylcholine is also a neuromodulator. This means it impacts how other neurotransmitters operate. ACh alternately stirs up and sedates nerve endings, and it is this control to repress excitability that may assist migraine patients. One theory on migraine causes is established on the idea of a cascade of nerve excitement in the brain that troubles the arteries in the brain. This in turn stimulates nerve sensitivity, which further inflames the artery, in a fierce cycle.

Botulinum toxin is the similar agent produced by stale food that causes botulism. When used medically, the toxin is introduced directly into the muscles and not seeped into the bloodstream. The amount of toxin required to set off botulism is much larger than used in medical applications.

Like most prophylactic migraine therapies, Botox injections may take scores of weeks to become successful. Depending on the research, Botox has been established as successful at minimizing migraines for 60-90% of study participants. Injections ought to be dispensed at least three months apart and the effects should last ten to thirteen weeks. Botox is not currently FDA accepted as a migraine remedy.