Botox® Chronic Migraine Treatment at Auckland Cosmetic Medicine Clinic Ltd - Sapphire Appearance Medicine Clinic

Botox® Chronic Migraine Treatment at Auckland Cosmetic Medicine Clinic Ltd - Sapphire Clinic by Dr Garsing Wong who has pioneered innovative Botox® uses, giving international talks on his techniques. Botox® has helped some chronic and severe migraine sufferers to reduce both frequency of headaches and the need for medication. Dr Garsing Wong observed the beneficial effects of Botox® for chronic migraine sufferers for over 8 years when treating patients for wrinkles and whilst administering Botox® for his pioneering nonsurgical facial shaping.

Dr Wong works together with Murray Hing, physiotherapist, to achieve good results for chronic migraine sufferers resulting in reductions in frequency and severity of headaches and a reduction in the amount of medications required.

Botox® has now gained registration for use in Chronic Migraine patients with the publication of the PREEMPT Study (Phase 3 REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy). Botox® administration for cosmetic reasons in patients who suffer from the occasional migraine can help some patients however the doses used cosmetically is substantially lower than that for Chronic Migraine patients. 

What is Chronic Migraine?

Chronic Migraine has been defined as having severe headaches lasting more than 4 hours, for more than 15 days out of 30, with more than 8 episodes that are either throbbing/moderate to severe which can be unilateral and aggravated by physical activity with either nausea and/or vomiting or photophobia and phonophobia, which is not attributed to another causative disorder (Classification accepted by ICHD-2 International Classification of Headache Disorders 2nd Edition).

What can I expect?

After consulting and being examined by Dr Wong, an assessment is made of your likely requirement. It is important that all patients have a realistic expectation. The definition of success as accepted by neurologist worldwide, is a reduction in the number of migrainous headaches or a reduction in the severity of the headaches by at least 50%. Evidence from clinical studies show with repeated doses of Botox, over 70% of patients will see a 50% improvement in their symptoms.  All severe chronic migraine sufferers are encouraged to have intensive physiotherapy at Murray Hing's Physiotherapy Practice - Flexa Clinic.

Will my wrinkles go away?

This depends on where you need the Botox®. Often patients who come in wanting their frown lines or forehead lines treated with Botox® may find the treatment initially can cause a brief headache that responds to taking Panadol. Within a few hours to a few days, some patients can notice their migraines are also better.

This can also be seen in patients who suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding. Botox into this region can often relieve tension headaches.

Is there any guarantee it will work?

Unfortunately not. It pays to approach this with a completely open mind. Remember, before you consider using Botox for your migraines, make sure you have tried all the conventional treatments first.

Migraines can be considered a sensory hypersensitivity disorder, not just severe headaches.

To find out if this method is right for you, then click this link for an online booking for a consultation with Dr Garsing Wong at Auckland Cosmetic Medicine Clinic Ltd - Sapphire Appearance Medicine Clinic. Please note there is a $76 consultation fee applicable with all migraine related consultations. 

What is the cost of the treatment?

If you forfill the criteria of being a chronic migraine sufferer, and you have tried at least three prophylatic (preventative) medications, as well as had an assessment with a neurologist for your migraines, then a treatment program to treat your chronic migraine will cost you approximately $3000 initially, with ongoing cost of $1400 or more every 4 months.  At present, the cost for the treatment are not reimbursed by your medical insurance company.

BOTOX® is a Prescription Medicine containing 100 units of botulinum toxin type A for injection (Please note, in America, the generic name for Botox is onabotulinumtoxinA which is exactly the same refer to the FDA Press Release dated August 3, 2009). It is used for the treatment of frown lines. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialist about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine.
Cautions: People with defective neuro-muscular transmission disorders, infection at site of injection, glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation.
Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning or redness at injection site, local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids, lack of feeling and nausea. If you have any side effects or concerns speak to your doctor.
You will need to pay for this medicine. Normal doctors visits apply. Note: The treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of treatment may be necessary. Speak to your specialist about your own situation.

BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc.

Updated 21 March 2012