For chronic migraine — headaches on 15 or more days per month — botulinum toxin injected in a standardised protocol across the head, neck and shoulders can reduce headache frequency and severity. It is a medical treatment, assessed and performed by a doctor.
Na czym polega
- The PREEMPT protocol distributes toxin over 31 or more points across the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck and shoulders.
- It reduces the release of pain-signalling neuropeptides and relieves muscular trigger points — it is preventive, not a rescue treatment for an attack in progress.
Dla kogo
- Chronic migraine diagnosed by frequency and pattern
- Patients whose oral preventive medication is insufficient or poorly tolerated
- Tension-type headache with a strong muscular component may also benefit
- Not suitable in pregnancy, neuromuscular disease, or when headaches have not been medically evaluated
Stosowane produkty
Original licensed botulinum toxin type A, dosed according to the standard protocol
Przebieg zabiegu
- Headache history, diary review and neurological screening; referral if red-flag symptoms are present.
- Standardised injection pattern across defined muscle groups.
- Session repeated at 12-week intervals.
Bezpieczeństwo
- Neck dosing must respect anatomy to avoid neck weakness.
- Any new, severe or atypical headache pattern is investigated before treatment.
Przed wizytą
Bring a headache diary of the last 1–3 months and a list of current medication.
Pielęgnacja po zabiegu
Avoid massaging the neck for 24 hours; normal activity otherwise.
Efekty i trwałość
- Benefit usually starts within 2–4 weeks.
- The full picture is judged after two cycles (about six months).
- Many patients report fewer headache days and lower painkiller use.
Możliwe działania niepożądane i ryzyko
Neck stiffness or weakness, temporary brow heaviness, bruising, injection-site pain.
Wizyta kontrolna
Headache-day tracking between sessions and a structured review at each 12-week visit.
Pytania o ten zabieg
Is this the same as cosmetic botox?
Same molecule, different protocol, dose and purpose. The migraine protocol covers head, neck and shoulders.
Will it stop a migraine attack?
No. It is preventive treatment that reduces how often and how severely attacks occur.
How long before I know if it works?
Two treatment cycles — roughly six months — is the accepted assessment window.