Treatment with Botulinum toxin type A, also known as Botox

The preparation 

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that causes muscle paralysis (botulism). In nature, botulinum toxin is produced by a bacterium - Clostridium botulinum. 

Scientific studies of botulinum toxin have demonstrated an effect on chronic migraine.

Mechanism of action

It is believed that the treatment blocks pain signals and thereby indirectly blocks the development of migraine, but the mechanism is not fully understood. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the number of days you experience headaches. In some cases, it can also reduce the intensity of the remaining headache attacks. 

Side effects 

The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, fever and flu-like symptoms, drooping eyelids, local muscle weakness, muscle pain, neck pain, and rash. 

Important: In very rare cases, pronounced muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, and pneumonia may occur due to the spread of the toxin. Seek medical attention. 

Precautions

You should not receive treatment if you have previously reacted negatively to treatment with botulinum toxin type A, if you have an infection in one or more of the areas where you are to receive injections, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from chronic diseases that cause muscle weakness. 

When you receive the treatment

Treatment with botulinum toxin involves injecting very small amounts of botulinum toxin into 31 different locations in the muscles around your head, neck, and shoulders. If the pain is worse in a specific area of your head, more injections may be given in the area(s) where you have the most pain. The treatment lasts approximately 10-20 minutes. If there is a good effect, this treatment is offered at regular intervals, typically every 3-5 months. If there is no effect after 1-2 treatments, the treatment will not be continued. 

After the treatment

As with all types of injections, you may experience some discomfort in connection with the treatment itself. You should remain at the treatment site for 15 minutes after your first treatment so we can ensure that you are doing well and tolerating the treatment. You may experience some swelling on the skin around the injection sites, but this usually disappears within a few hours. For the first 24 hours after receiving the injections, you should avoid rubbing the areas where you have been injected, as this can reduce the effect.