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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Botox?
        
(Message started by: big al on Jul 23^rd, 2004, 8:36pm)

Title: Botox?
Post by big al on Jul 23^rd, 2004, 8:36pm

Thanks for all your response to my first post. My wife just reminded me of a piece she saw on CNN. Apparently Dr. Sanjay Gupta, thier medical whiz had some info about using Botox as a CH treatment. Did anyone see the piece or have any additional info.

Big Al

Title: Re: Botox?
Post by floridian on Jul 23^rd, 2004, 9:29pm

Some discussion of that here, but I can't remember anyone claiming it was clearly effective. The evidence for botox and migraines and tension headache is mixed. I could not find any published studies that indicates that botox helps specifically with clusters - six articles contain both "botox" and "cluster headache" but they are not specifically about clusters ... they mention clusters as a type of headache that may be helped by botox.

My guess is that they might be as effective as other nerve blocks (and maybe longer acting) if they are injected into the right spots. But I don't think they are being used that way - they are injected into muscles. There is a risk of serious complications if they are injected too close to the spine or major nerves.

Title: Re: Botox?
Post by don on Jul 23^rd, 2004, 10:30pm

You'll still have a severe headache but with nice full and firm lips.

Title: Re: Botox?
Post by Superpain on Jul 24^th, 2004, 6:34am

And you'll look very calm and emotionless as your head gets raped by a hot screwdriver. [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Botox?
Post by Samantha_Smith on Jul 25^th, 2004, 10:55pm

I've been getting Botox injections every 3 months for about the past 2 years. I believe that the Botox (in conjunction with other medications) have reduced the frequency and severity of the attacks. Botox is expensive, most neuros are not qualified to use it, most insurances won't cover it, and few cluster headache sufferers find relief from it. (Apparently, I'm one of the few exceptions.) Treating cluster headaches with Botox is considered an "off label" use. Yes, it does have side effects.