Botox Injections

Botox Injections for Migraines

Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected to treat a variety of ailments, such as facial wrinkles (typically along the forehead and in between the eyebrows), axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the armpit), cervical dystonia (the contracting of neck muscles), strabismus (improper eye alignment), chronic headaches and migraines, blepharospasm (eyelid twitching), among others.

How is botox administered and how does it work?

Botox injections for migraines is administered as an injection and the dosing depends on what condition it is being used to treat. Botox works by paralyzing muscle activity and temporarily blocking nerve signals to certain muscles. The toxin is produced by the microbe that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects caused by Botox injections include:

  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Nausea
  • Itching
  • Pain or tenderness at the injection site.

Is botox for migraines and headache disorders FDA approved?

Botox injections for chronic headaches and migraines were approved by the FDA in 2010 and are covered by some insurances. Injections are administered every three to four months in the muscles of the forehead and neck.

Where are the injection sites for botox?

The standardized injection sites are:

  • Suboccipital
  • Frontalis
  • Temporalis
  • Glabellar

Other injection sites will be determined by your physician.

Does botox work better for specific migraine and headache types?

Botox injections are primarily used to treat those that suffer from tension-type headaches, which is a type of headache and migraine. Chronic tension headaches occur (generally) on a near-daily basis and is associated with contracted muscles in the neck and scalp. In comparison to migraines, tension headaches vary in duration and are less severe.

Demerol Injections

Demerol Injections for Migraines

Demerol (also referred to by its generic name, Meperidine HCL) is a narcotic pain reliever (or opioid) comparable to morphine. The drug is most commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain in an emergency room setting or before or during a surgical procedure.

How is Demerol administered and how does it work?

Demerol may be administered orally or by injecting the drug into a vein, muscle or just beneath the skin. A Demerol injection is given slowly while the patient is lying down to minimize the risk of side effects. The drug works by interacting with centers in the brain to increase the body’s ability to tolerate pain.

What are the common side effects?

Demerol is a physically and mentally addictive narcotic pain reliever that should not be taken longer than two days. Side effects may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating
  • Flushing
  • Pain or swelling at the injection site

Is Demerol for migraines and headache disorders FDA approved?

Demerol is an FDA approved drug for the general treatment of moderate to severe pain. However, the narcotic has not been approved specifically for the treatment of migraines or other headache disorders.

Where are the injection sites for Demerol?

Demerol may be injected intravenously for fast relief or (more commonly) intramuscularly into an area near the hip. If a saline IV is already in place to combat dehydration, the drug can also be injected through the existing IV line.

Does Demerol work better for specific migraine and headache types?

Demerol is not a first-line treatment option for migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches or any other type of headache condition and is only used in emergency situations when other medications fail to relieve pain or a migraine lasts longer than 72 hours.

Sarapin Injections

Sarapin Injections for Migraines

Sarapin is a biological pain relieving medication, meaning it is naturally occurring. In fact, the medication is a water-based plant extract derived from the pitcher plant. It is considered a safe anti-inflammatory alternative to cortisone and may be prescribed to help treat various types of chronic pain.

How is Sarapin administered and how does it work?

Some migraines are thought to be caused by trigger points, or highly sensitive areas around the head and face that contribute to muscle tension and nerve irritation. To treat pain associated with these types of migraines, Sarapin may be injected directly into specific trigger points to numb irritated nerves and prevent pain signals from traveling therein. Injections may be given once per week for up to three weeks.

What are the common side effects?

There are no known side effects associated with Sarapin.

Is Sarapin for migraines and headache disorders FDA approved?

Sarapin is an FDA approved biological medication for the use of general pain management. Though studies confirm its positive effect on migraine pain, it has not been specifically approved for the treatment of such.

Where are the injection sites for Sarapin?

Patients may receive one or more injections per session and injection sites will vary depending on the patient’s unique condition. Most injections are given on either side of the head near the temples. Light palpitations may be performed by a trained physician to determine the exact trigger points responsible for migraine pain.

Does Sarapin work better for specific migraine and headache types?

Chronic migraines (characterized by the experience of pain more than 15-days per month) as well as tension headaches that respond well to trigger point injections are the most common types of headache treated with Sarapin injections.

Toradol Injections

Toradol Injections for Migraines

Also referred to as Ketorolac Tromethamine, Toradol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) used for short-term pain relief. The drug is most commonly used prior to or post-surgery to reduce swelling, pain or fever. Toradol injections may also be prescribed to a patient suffering from a chronic migraine attack whose symptoms have not been controlled by other types of medication.

How Toradol administered and how does it work?

Toradol is administered as an injection to reduce pain associated with a number of conditions including chronic migraine syndrome. The active ingredients in Toradol block the body’s natural production of inflammation-causing chemicals to reduce swelling and fever, thereby decreasing the sensation of pain. Pain relief with Toradol injections can be achieved relatively quickly and may last up to six hours.

What are the common side effects?

Common side effects associated with Toradol injections include:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Sweating
  • Ringing in ears

More serious side effects include:

  • Chest pain
  • Weakness and shortness of breath
  • Visual or speech difficulty
  • Bloody stool
  • Coughing up blood
  • Swelling or weight gain
  • Decreased urination
  • Skin rash
  • Fever
  • Mouth sores
  • Bruising in areas other than the injection site
  • Seizure

Are Toradol injections for headache disorders FDA approved?

Toradol injections are FDA approved for the treatment of general pain that is moderate to severe. The drug has not been approved specifically for the treatment of headache disorders.

Where are the injection sites for Toradol?

Injections are given intravenously or intramuscularly to relieve moderate to severe pain associated with a migraine attack.

Does Toradol work better for specific migraine and headache types?

Toradol injections are generally used for the emergency or abortive treatment of a severe migraine attack. When other medications fail to produce results, Toradol injections may also be prescribed for use on a more regular basis.