Botox – an injectable that has numerous uses in medical and cosmetic spheres. The nature of this product lets others enjoy its effect for a long time and deal with various problems – from migraine symptoms to dynamic wrinkles elimination. And even though complications are rare for this type of treatment, some individuals still experience certain side effects as a natural reaction to the solution of the unknown nature. One of the most infrequent adverse reactions is a headache after Botox, considering it is often used to cure severe headache pain.
So, how long do headaches last after a Botox injection? Are they painful? What to do if the pain signals in the head last for a long time? In this article, we are going to discuss all essentials on this topic.
Medical Uses of Botox Injections
Botox treatment is a well-known option for cosmetic skin rejuvenation and facial wrinkles reduction; however, it’s also often used in the medical sphere to deal with muscle spasm-related problems. All because of its working principle and potential. After the solution is administered into the target muscle, it starts acting slowly; gradually, it reaches the nerve endings of the mentioned muscle and pauses its contraction. Every botulinum toxin injection lasts from four to six months, and a maintenance treatment should be scheduled to support the result and not to let the product wear off completely.
Botox injection is helpful for these medical purposes:
- Chronic migraine (headache) treatment;
- Excessive sweating;
- Cervical dystonia (tense neck muscles);
- Blepharospasm (uncontrollable muscle twitching);
- Overactive bladder syndrome;
- Chronic pelvic pain;
- TMJ (high tension in the masseter muscle located in the jaw).
Mind that Botox treatment can only be conducted in a doctor’s office; for positive results, a specialist should have a perfect knowledge of facial anatomy. If incorrectly administered, botulinum toxin can be useless and doesn’t show any effect, and it’s definitely not something patients expect from the appointment.
For a successful procedure, you should find the best place to buy Botox online. Ogomed is the website for you, so check out their assortment and stock up on everything you may need for your medical practice.
When Should I Consider Botox for Chronic Migraines?
Before deciding on getting botulinum toxins medical treatment, discussing this topic with a doctor is vital to ensure this option is right for one’s needs. Even though it’s effective, there is no guarantee it’ll help to fulfill a patient’s request, so listening to a specialist’s recommendations may be useful. Overall, botulinum toxin type A is recommended for chronic migraines in case of:
- Severe headaches for at least 15 days each month. Mind that cluster headaches, episodic migraine, and tension-type migraine cannot be treated with Botox;
- Painful sensations stay in the way of one’s daily tasks;
- Other, more traditional options don’t help with migraines, so botulinum toxin is the only minimally-invasive method to try.
Just like facial muscles, neck and temple muscles can be relaxed with the help of this excellent solution by Allergan. The most important thing for successful treatment is to use the services of an experienced professional, so be careful when making the final decision.
Are Headaches After Botox Injections Common?
Even though injecting Botox is one of the most effective ways to treat migraine, sometimes it can work oppositely and contract excessively, causing even more tension. That’s why sometimes people falsely think the procedure isn’t helpful and useless. However, this complication is rare and, after all, most individuals benefit from the botulinum toxin administration.
Typically, this problem is caused by such nuances as incorrect injection techniques, Botox administration spots, poor-quality solutions, or expired products. But don’t worry, a few hours are typically enough for a tension headache to fade. If not, contact a headache specialist (your doctor) to ask for recommendations on how to deal with this issue quickly and effortlessly. They may tell more about oral medications, exercises, or other procedures helpful for migraine treatment.
Sometimes headaches may be a side effect after treating migraines, as numerous punctures are required to administer the solution; as a result, a person should wait till the skin heals and all local irritations disappear entirely. The treatment usually demands approximately 31 injections spread over 6-7 administration zones, so no wonder people may feel uncomfortable once the injection session is done.
More About Botox Side Effects
As with all cosmetic and medical procedures, Botox can be the reason for some unpleasant adverse reactions; even though not dangerous, it can still cause unwanted discomfort, so it’s essential to be aware of all potential complications and how they can be controlled at home. Among the most predictable adverse reactions are the followings:
- Increased sensitivity in the injection spot (redness, bruising, swelling, etc.);
- Discomfort in the treated zone;
- Headache, neck muscle aches, etc.
If the body reacts appropriately to the solution, all minor side effects should be gone within a few hours after the doctor’s appointment. However, it’s also important to understand that severe adverse reactions, even though rare, still occur occasionally. Thus it’s vital to know and recognize them on time to inform the doctor and search for the solution together. We are talking about these:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (trouble breathing, swollen throat, difficulty articulating, etc.);
- Extreme pain in the Botox administration spot;
- Botulinum toxin spreading to the nearest areas;
- Irregular heartbeat;
- Others.
If a medical professional is informed about these symptoms on time, there should be nothing to worry about. Just be careful, always stay in touch with a doctor, and listen to your body. The improvement will be visible in no time!
The Bottom Line
Botox with botulinum toxin type A in the composition is an excellent treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic migraines and other muscle spasm-related conditions. After just one injection session, a patient should feel the problem fading away, and the result can be easily supported with the help of regularly planned maintenance administration sessions. Some people experience headaches after this procedure due to the intense tension in the area; however, this issue is rare and typically fades away after a few hours. Still, staying in touch with a doctor is better to ensure the healing process is non-problematic and goes as it should.