Botox May Be a Treatment Option for Migraines

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), has prepared the draft guidance recommending the use of Botox or botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of migraine. According to this guidance, the injections should be stopped if the person has episodic migraine or if the person’s headaches do not stop after two treatment cycles.

Chronic migraines are really troublesome and difficult to manage. This can affect the quality of life of a person to a large extent. Chronic migraines affect approximately 1.6% of adults. The mechanism of action of Botox in controlling migraine is still not clear. Experts think that Botox injections may block the pain signals and also help in relaxing the muscles.

Professor Carole Longson, director of the Health Technology Evaluation Centre at NICE, is happy that the committee recommended the use of Botox as a preventive therapy for this chronic pain which has not reduced even after using three medications. This treatment method is not for those headaches which are caused by medication overdose.

NICE has published the guidance so that stakeholders can spot the factual errors and appeal against the recommendations. Once the final guidance is issued, funds will be allocated for the use of Botox within three months. If there are no appeals, NICE will publish the final guidance by next month.