Migraine, Trigeminal Neuralgia and Botox?
Hi I was wondering how many people with chronic Migraine also have Trigeminal Neuralgia and if you've had any success with treatments? Also if you used Botox for the migraine did it help the trigeminal neuralgia? I'm waiting to get an approval from insurance for Botox after a migraine lasting almost 2 months that has had me out of work for about 15 days and now I'm having a trigeminal flare as well.
Hootiebthe1
Hi, and welcome!
Unfortunately, I too have chronic Migraine and TN. I also have GPN - lucky me. Botox DID help my TN. Quite a bit actually. It's not perfect, but when you're in a flare, you'll take anything that makes a dent. There is no way to know if it will help you until you try it. Remember though, that the protocol for Migraine is 31 injections and it should be done by a doctor with experience successfully using it frequently in their practice. There is an art to injections of Botox and the results are cumulative, which is why a trial is considered 3 cycles. Doctors continue to see results grow in patients who are on their 7th and 8th cycles, which is the good news!
You should also understand that TN pain can be a part of Migraine. There is a difference between TN (A primary condition) and Migraine related facial pain (the facial pain would then be secondary to the Migraine). It really takes a top notch doctor familiar with facial pain and Migraine to tell the dfference though, but knowing the difference will help you get the right treatment. Are you seeing a Migraine/headache specialist? Here's a link that can help you find one: https://migraine.com/blog/looking-for-a-migraine-specialist/
~Ellen
