What It Is: Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a treatment used to prevent chronic migraines, following the PREEMPT (Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy) protocol. This protocol involves injecting small doses of Botox into specific areas around the head and neck, which are identified as common trigger points for migraine pain. The treatment is typically administered every 12 weeks and targets the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain pathways, aiming to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes. The PREEMPT protocol has been extensively researched and proven effective in large-scale clinical trials.

How It Will Help: Botox injections for migraines work by blocking the chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain, effectively preventing them from reaching the nerve endings around your head and neck. By doing so, Botox can significantly decrease the frequency of migraine attacks, reduce the number of headache days, and lessen the intensity of the headaches that do occur. Over time, this treatment can improve patients' quality of life by reducing the need for daily oral pain medications and decreasing the overall impact of migraines on daily functioning. Patients often begin to notice improvement within the first two to three treatment cycles.

Why It Is Safe: Botox is approved by the FDA for the treatment of chronic migraines and has a well-established safety profile when administered by a trained healthcare professional. The PREEMPT protocol ensures that the injections are given in a standardized manner that maximizes safety and efficacy. Side effects are typically minor and temporary, commonly including localized pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. Serious side effects are rare, and the localized nature of the treatment limits any systemic effects, making it a safe option for long-term management of migraines. This treatment is particularly safe for patients who may have contraindications to oral migraine medications due to other health conditions.

This is not an OHIP covered service, but we provide the service free of cost to the patient.