A recent science review in the American Headache Society’s journal, Headache, discusses Botox and its approval by regulatory agencies in the UK and US for treatment of migraine. According to the article, Botox can have an analgesic effect for migraines, in addition to its myorelaxant effect. The summary states,“this is the only prophylactic therapy specifically approved for chronic migraine. Its effectiveness is likely due to its ability to inhibit overactivity of motor neurons and hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, and involves suppression of peripheral and central sensitization.” The anti-inflammatory effects of Botulinum, at the nerve (neuronal) level, via CGRP, may indeed account for much of the effect. More research will provide additional knowledge and a better understanding of the mechanisms and more effective treatments for chronic migraine.
Future studies of Botox will give more insight and understanding of how this treatment works in the prevention of migraine.