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Botox (botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin injection. Neurotoxins are the toxin that attacks the nerve cells. Botox is the sterile and vacuum-dried form of the botulinum toxin type A. It is usually produced from the Hall strain of Clostridium botulinum. Botox can be used in conditions where the hyperactivity of muscles causes the health and medical related problems.
Botox for migraines helps to weaken or paralyze the hyper activated muscles by suppressing the release of acetylcholine, which mainly causes the transmission of nerve impulses at synapses and myoneural. This treatment can also be used for reducing the pain associated with the cervical dystonia, achalasia and rectal fissures. Botox is usually injected directly into the affected muscles.
There are different theories to explain the working of the Botox for the elimination of migraine headaches. According to one theory, as tension and spasms are the main causes of migraines, Botox eliminate the headaches by eliminating the muscle tension. It is also believed that Botox reduces the headaches by inhibiting the transmission of nerve cells. According to this theory headache is caused due to the increased amount of signals send by the nerves.
Since Botox for migraines take several weeks to take effect after the injection, it is better to not inject more than once every three months. The pain in the injected area remains for a couple of days after injecting the Botox. This can be pointed out as the main drawback of this neurotoxin. More studies are still performing on this neurotoxin.
You will need to consult their physician before taking the botulinum toxin type. Especially, the pregnant women and women who could become pregnant during the treatment must take advice from their physician. Botulinum toxin type A for migraines should never be used with any other botulinum toxin or any other medication that affect the nerves or muscles.
One of the main limitations for the use of Botox for migraines is the cost of treatment. The Botox injections are usually not covered by any insurance and the cost of Botox treatment can be around $350 for each targeted area. Hence this treatment is very expensive compared to the other migraines treatments such as the prescription drug lmitrex and nasal sprays. But the drugs like lmitrex and nasal sprays are only used as a preventative drug and are not designed to prevent all the migraine attack for up to four or more months like Botox.
Using Botox for migraines should be considered very carefully. It is still early days yet before one truly knows what all the side effects can be. There is considerable chance for occurring side effects during the Botox treatment period. Hence you are advised of the possibility of needing to take emergency medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as an allergic reaction, difficulty in breathing, talking or swallowing, chest pain, irregular heartbeats or excessive muscl
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Article Source: Content-Syndication.org
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