Chronic Migraine Treatment
Chronic migraines are usually defined as:
- 15 or more headache days a month, of which 8 are migraines
- Headaches last for 4 hours or more
- With at least half of the headaches being migraine
Patients that attend our private clinic will require a letter of diagnosis by their GP or specialist.
A direct referral by the GP or specialist can also be made by emailing our secure email address: lenoccg.woodhousemedicalpractice@nhs.net.
Patients can self-refer by emailing info@sfvaccinations.co.uk phoning our appointment line on 0113 221 3533.
A consultation will be completed by a healthcare professional prior to any treatment being given.
Botulinum toxin A injections (Botox®)
An effective and proven treatment available for preventing or reducing the frequency of chronic migraines is the administration of botulinum toxin (Botox®). This was approved for use within the NHS by the national healthcare body NICE for the prevention of headaches in adults with chronic migraine. However, some patients may wish to obtain this treatment privately through a private clinic in Leeds.
Botox® works by blocking the release of neurotransmitters such as substance P, which causes pain. Also, during a migraine, the muscles can become tense. Botox® relaxes the muscles in the head, which then helps reduce the severity of migraines.
A full consultation is completed with a healthcare professional to assess the suitability of treatment for Botox for chronic migraine.
Further information on botulinum toxin (Botox®) injections
- Patients with a diagnosis of chronic migraine by their GP or specialist
- Patients who have tried other treatments, which have failed or not been tolerated.
Efficacy should be assessed after 2 treatments given 3 months apart. The trials showed that aftert2 sets of injections, approximately 70% of patients reported an improvement in their symptoms.
After 5 years, approximately 58% of patients suffered from just episodic migraines.
Most patients normally see an improvement within the first week of treatment but it can take up to 2 weeks.
This can vary between patients but is most often between 3-4 months.
No the treatment causes little discomfort.
As with all treatment, there can be some adverse effects. Most commonly, these were headaches, muscle aches and pains and injection-site reactions. Most adverse effects resolve within 48 hours and without treatment. The treatment does not restrict you from continuing your usual activities (apart from intensive exercise and the use of excessive heat).
Trials showed that:-
- 3% of patients had an increase in headaches
- 3% of patients had an eyebrow ptosis (‘droop’)
- 7% neck stiffness
Frequently Asked Questions
Botox® is a preventive treatment that may help reduce the frequency and severity of chronic migraines.
Botox® may be suitable for adults with chronic migraine following an assessment by a healthcare professional.
Botox® treatment is typically repeated approximately every 12 weeks, depending on your response to treatment.
The treatment involves a number of small injections, which may cause brief discomfort.
Some patients notice an improvement within the first few weeks, although the response varies between individuals.
Yes, Botox for chronic migraine is available through private clinics in Leeds, subject to a clinical assessment and suitability for treatment.
Yes. Patients attending our private clinic will require a diagnosis letter from their GP or specialist before treatment.
We discuss your destination and travel plans before recommending appropriate vaccines and antimalarial advice.
