Botox injections for Chronic Daily Migraines

[paradice15]

Looking for help!

Has anyone tried Botox injections for relief of chronic daily migraines?
My neurologist is recommending XEOMIN, a form of Botox, and looking at the side-effects gives me a bigger migraine.
I had tried Dysport injections 2 years ago, with the extreme side effect of paralyzing my throat for 8 days, making eating impossible but great for my waistline. He assures me this is a much more benign form of Botox, but obviously I'm quite skeptical.
My thoughts?
Thank you - and may everyone have a pain-free day!
--- Marianne

[tortoisegirl]

I have tried Botox injections, although I have a constant headache, not migraines, but they had to bill it as chronic migraine. If I was in your case, I would be skeptical. I don't see a reason to risk it, as it doesn't seem like Botox has any better of a chance of reducing the frequency/severity of migraine than any other treatments.

Its also likely to be expensive, because as far as I know, only Botox is FDA approved for chronic migraine, so only that would typically be covered by insurance. A reaction to any botulinum toxin product is actually contraindicated for Botox administration. Is there some reason your doctor is pushing this? Best wishes.

[paradice15]

Thank you, Kate, for your input. Did you have any relief from the Botox injections? I would like to know how you did, even if it was temporary.
I'm not sure why my neuro is suggesting the Xeomin, so I'll be sure to question him now that I researched the drug. My insurance will cover the Botox, so maybe I'll just demand that rather than this other drug.
Good luck with your headaches - I don't care what they call the headaches, they are all awful !
- Marianne

[tortoisegirl]

No I didn't notice any relief. I'd question the use of any botulinum toxin injection with the reaction you had before. Also, I don't know of any data showing that if your migraines didn't respond to one brand, another should be used. Why risk it? Does your neuro specialize in headaches? If not, I'd seek one out. There has got to be some other treatment options. Best wishes.

[paradice15]

Hi Kate ---
Good advice. You are so right. I guess I have just been searching for a solution, and should not ignore my past experience.
I told my husband last night that Botox in any form is not an option. I can't risk going thru that side-effect again - and it could be even worse.
I'm seeing a headache specialist at Columbia Presbyterian in Manhattan, and she suggests a Cefaly Device, since I don't respond well to medications. It can only be purchased in Canada, and is not FDA approved or sold in the states. It works kind of like a TENS unit, and stimulates the Trigeminal and Occipital nerves going up to the brain. That may be my best option. Have you heard of it? Was it suggested to you? Apparently it's kind of a new technology, and still quite expensive ($300 for unit plus electrodes).
Just thought I'd ask -- you have been so helpful. Hope you get relief from your DPH and fibro soon!
- Marianne

[tortoisegirl]

Yes I've heard of that device. There was some chatter on a migraine forum I go to; I think two people tried it and one got no relief and the other had it make their pain worse in the short term. I just haven't seen any data that shows it would be helpful for the type of pain I have, so that plus the cost has stopped me from trying it (we pay a lot to have good insurance so I try to stick with what they cover).

How many patients has this specialist had who responded to it, and how well did it work? Try to see if you can get it from somewhere with a generous return or money back guarantee policy.

I too haven't responded well to meds but am hopeful eventually I'll find more which help. There are some more out of the box options but it can be tough to have a doctor to go along with it. I'm pretty much over the standard med classes as I got the same sort of side effects with so many of them (and no relief). I've been sticking with the methadone since thats the only one that has helped me, but it causes its own problems. Best wishes.