Botox

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such pain after the botox. I personally haven't had botox so I can't speak from firsthand experience, but I did want to pass along this article below in hopes that it may be of help to you.

https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/botox



I'm sure others will join this conversation here as well. Wishing you the best and both relief and answers soon.
Best
Alene, moderator

Hi
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns with us. I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear you are in so much pain.
I've been getting Botox since 2016 and it's very beneficial for me. I can tell you it took four rounds of injections before I saw any reduction in attack frequency and severity. Having an experience practitioner perform the injection is VERY important. Is your doctor experienced in giving these injections? Here is a video of how they are to be administered; https://migraine.com/video/video-of-botox-injections.

Having said that, I have heard from others the first round can be rough. Have you contacted your doctor about this? If not, I would encourage you to and see what he/she can offer you to break this current cycle - there are options. Let me share them with you here;
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/how-do-you-break-wont-stop.

Do you typically have morning migraine attacks? Sometimes when this happens it may be an indication of a sleep issue, of which there are over 80 including sleep apnea! I have restless leg and when managed I wake with fewer morning migraine attacks. You may want to have a conversation with your doctor about having a sleep study. Let me share some of our resources on this topic from our main website; https://migraine.com/blog/movement-disorders-and-migraines
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/10-tips-quiet-mind-sleep

Please let me know what the doctor says and I hope things improve asap! Sending along pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team

Having migraine attacks is terrible no matter when they happen, but it is especially upsetting when they impact those special times in your life. I'm sorry you are experiencing them. Nancy has given you great resources to explore. She's such a blessing to have in the community! My husband has used Botox as part of his therapy regimen in the past. As mentioned, it often takes multiple treatments by a qualified and experienced doctor before seeing the true benefits of the treatment. Did you happen to be in an active migraine cycle when you received your injections? One of my husband's sessions took place during an active cycle. He thought Botox would ease the attack, but it actually sparked a ferocious days-long attack. After about 2 weeks, the attack backed off, and he was able to function. It was a hard learning experience for him. Are you able to find any relief from another form of care to help take the edge off your attack? Ice and heat have always been comforting. I'll be praying your attack passes soon. Warmly, Cheryl migraine.com team

- I'm truly sorry to hear that you're experiencing increased severity and frequency of migraines following your first Botox treatment. It's understandably distressing, especially when it affects your quality of life during a time you typically enjoy, the holidays.

Have you notified your healthcare provider to see what his recommendations are? They need to be aware of your symptoms and concerns to make informed decisions about your treatment plan and change it for the better.


It's not uncommon for individuals to respond differently to treatments, and adjustments may be needed. I began Botox. I truly believe I didn't take it long enough, which was beyond m,y control. Unable to continue the injections, I trialed CGRPs and have continued this treatment.

Some possible reasons for the worsening of migraines could include individual variations in response to Botox, potential side effects, or the need for a different approach to managing your migraines, as I have done.


As Nancy stated above, it took her four rounds of injections to get any reduction in migraine symptoms. I do wonder if you have undertaken some therapeutic options to take the most acute symptoms down a notch. Here's an article that may help. Be sure to run any new OTC/at-home treatments by your treating physician. https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies Please keep us in the loop - as we are rooting for your increased reduction in migraine pain.


I truly hope the pain breaks and you can enjoy your holidays. Sending healing and wellness your way. Happy holidays. Rebecca (community moderator)