For migraine headache, consider botox injection if drug treatment is not effective
Although it is estimated that more than 2.5 million people suffer from migraine headaches, the number of people who actually visit the hospital is only about 550,000 a year, so there is an urgent need to improve awareness of migraine treatment. In particular, even though there are several treatments, caution is needed because there are many cases where pain is tolerated by arbitrarily taking painkillers or trying folk remedies.
Migraine is a primary headache that occurs without a specific cause. Tension headaches are the most common primary headaches, but they do not require treatment because they disappear spontaneously over time or are relieved by taking painkillers. On the other hand, migraine headaches are severe in pain, do not subside well with general analgesics, and tend to occur repeatedly, so active treatment is required.
Contrary to the name, migraines don't only appear on one side of the head. There may be a pinching, bursting pain on both sides of the head. A more characteristic symptom is pulsatile pain, which is painful with a throbbing or palpitating feeling as if a pulse were beating. It may also be accompanied by vomiting or dizziness.
Also, there are many patients who suffer from several prognostic symptoms. Prominent symptoms of migraine include △ blurred vision in front of the eyes △ flashing light interferes with vision △ decreased concentration △ sensitivity to light or sound.
Geun-hyeok Ko, head of the Department of Neurology at Jeju Korean Hospital’s Brain Center, said, “As the migraine continues, it becomes more sensitive to pain and more difficult to see the effects of drugs. You can see it,” he explained.
Botox is a term used to describe medicines that contain botulinum toxin. It paralyzes the muscles by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that cause muscle contraction. Although it is a very powerful toxin, it can achieve a variety of effects when used in a very small amount and properly applied to the area where it is needed. It is typically injected into the muscles used for making facial expressions and used to relieve wrinkles caused by facial expressions, and is also widely used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. In 2019, it was approved and widely used as a preventive treatment for chronic migraine.
Botox treatment for chronic migraine is done by injecting a small amount of drug over about 20 to 30 places on the head, back neck, and shoulder. Although there are individual differences, the effect appears gradually after about 1 to 2 weeks and lasts for about 3 months. In addition to relieving pain, it can also be expected to have a preventive effect in preventing the migraine itself from occurring by affecting the migraine development mechanism.
Head Geun-hyeok Koh said, “Unlike drugs that have to be taken every day, Botox treatment for chronic migraine has the advantage that the effect lasts for about three months, that patients who have developed resistance to the drug can also see the effect, and that there are relatively few side effects. ” He said, “We would consider Botox treatment for patients who have severe side effects or develop resistance to drugs, who have frequent migraines 1-2 times a week, or who have severe migraines that require pain relievers for more than 10 days a month. can,” he said.
On the other hand, lifestyle changes are also important to prevent migraine headaches. It is important to identify risk factors that can trigger migraines, such as stress, irregular sleep, and unbalanced diet, and improve them. The drug should not be taken indiscriminately, and if the headache recurs, it is desirable to visit a neurologist for an accurate diagnosis.
“The exact cause of migraine is not known,” said Koh Geun-hyuk. However, if you have a family history, be careful and be careful because irregular lifestyle habits, stress, and excessive caffeine intake can also have an effect. he advised
*reference original article: http://www.hankookhospital.co.kr/MedicalNews/50852