Botox for Headache

Shepiers · #1 22-01-2010, 06:07 PM

I'm currently suffering from persistent daily headaches and getting really fed up.

I've always had a tendency to suffer from frequent headaches and do suffer migraines too. From time to time this develops into a persistent daily headache that can last for weeks. I have to accept this is my make-up.

However this daily headache has now lasted approx 3 months. I have a headache on waking which comes and goes throughout the day and takes a hold towards the end of the day. Two to three nights a week it gets so bad I have to take to my bed by 8 o clock in the evening.

This is now affect my work, home and social life greatly and my world is shrinking. I'm aware of the problems that medication overuse can cause particularly causing rebound headaches so am having to limit my use of pain relief for the worst headaches or for when I really need to be able to function well.

I've had botox injections suggested and am a little wary but getting desperate now. Has anyone tried or know of anyone that has had botox injections for pain?

kazschow · #2 22-01-2010, 06:22 PM

Nope sorry don't know about it's uses for pain, i take it it's to freeze muscles assciated with tension headaches?

I used to work in a clinic where it was used for excessive sweating though, and it's very successful for that.

Shepiers · #3 22-01-2010, 06:34 PM

Yes I think the botox is used for headaches to partially paralyse certain facial muscles and alter the nerves that transmit pain to the brain.

I'm just concerned about possible side-effects (I don't mind the lack of wrinkles

)

lakielady · #4 23-01-2010, 05:54 PM

Have they tried you on any anti-convulsant meds which, in low doses, may have the same neural effects? I take a low dose of carbemazepine, which really helps one of my headaches. (I get migraine and sinusitis, too).

Have they given you a diagnosis for your headaches? I'd be a bit reluctant to try botox until I knew what they were, or at least until they'd looked into it thoroughly. If you haven't seen a neurologist, I'd ask for a referral, if you have, I'd be guided by him/her.

Shepiers · #5 24-01-2010, 06:26 PM

I have used carbemazepine in the past and it did not really help. Have also tried amytriptilline which at one time helped. I was prescribed it for insomnia and I did not have one headache in about 3 months but I have since used it and it did not help. Have also tried betablockers with not much luck and the list goes on...

I have suffered with frequent headaches and migraines since childhood and have a diagnosis of migraine and chronic daily headache (which means very little apart from acknowledging I have daily headaches for prolonged periods).

I suffer with bruxism which is a contributary factor and was referred to the maxillofacial unit at the hospital and this is where the subject of botox was brought up.

I have never seen a neurologist though and after a lifetime of seeing doctors and never really getting anywhere far have sort of became resigned to this being my lot in life. This however, has been a considerable period of suffering daily headaches and my life is becoming more restricted and I am on the verge of asking for another referral.

The people that know me best realise that I regularly turn down invites or make last minute cancellations after making arrangements but it still gets embarrassing and anyone that does not know me that well soon stops inviting me anywhere. I'm avoiding taking car trips for fear of being unable to drive home and neglecting eating proper meals as I don't often feel up to cooking or doing anything much once the essentials are done.

I need to take charge of the situation so want to go back to gp armed with some information or specific requests so I don't get fobbed off with more painkillers.

lakielady · #6 24-01-2010, 07:49 PM

I'd definitely be asking for a neuro referral if I was in your shoes. They'd give you a scan and check it was nothing seriuos.

kazschow · #7 25-01-2010, 08:56 AM

I have Bruxism too Shepiers, in the past I had a sliding brace made at the dental hospital, have to tried this?

Shepiers · #8 25-01-2010, 12:06 PM

They did make me a toothguard that I was supposed to wear at night to raise my bite slightly which apparantly helps for some patients.

It was awful to wear to start with but I persevered. Had the sensation that I was oversalivating and I could not swallow properly. Some nights I would remove it in my sleep and wake to find it on my chest. The nights that I managed to keep it in place all night I gradually chewed some holes in it!

What is a sliding brace?