Migraine Awareness Week is the yearly reminder of just how painful and disruptive migraines can be.
For those living with chronic migraine, the condition often feels overwhelming, with pain and associated symptoms taking over their everyday lives. We regularly meet people whose quality of life has been severely impacted by migraines, leaving them searching for a solution that really works.
Most people associate anti-wrinkle injections with smoothing fine lines and softening expression lines, but they are also a licensed medical treatment for chronic migraine.
During this important awareness week, we want to shed light on how this treatment works, who it can help, and why many people across Surrey and beyond are finding relief through this innovative approach.
Understanding Chronic Migraine
Migraines are not simply bad headaches. They are a neurological condition characterised by moderate to severe head pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances, and fatigue.
For many people, these episodes can last anywhere between 4 and 72 hours, severely limiting their ability to work, socialise, or perform daily tasks.
Episodic migraine refers to headaches that occur on fewer than 15 days each month. In comparison, chronic migraine is defined as having headaches on 15 or more days per month, with migraine symptoms (such as aura or throbbing pain) on at least eight of those days.
This distinction is important, as treatment approaches often differ depending on the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Living with chronic migraine is not just physically draining but also emotionally taxing. Constant pain, unpredictability, and the fear of the next migraine attack can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Many of our patients describe feeling trapped in a cycle of pain that affects their relationships, occupations, and general well-being.
Traditional Migraine Treatments
For those living with migraine, treatment typically begins with lifestyle changes and medication. Preventative strategies, such as decreasing stress, avoiding particular foods or alcohol, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule, can help minimise the frequency of attacks.
Over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medication, such as triptans, are also commonly used to alleviate symptoms once a migraine begins.
However, not everyone responds to these treatments. Some patients experience side effects from medication, while others find that their migraines remain frequent and severe despite trying multiple approaches.
This can be especially frustrating for those with chronic migraine, where the sheer number of headache days each month makes it difficult to lead a regular life.
This is where medical treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections can provide new hope.
How Anti-Wrinkle Injections Can Help
Anti-wrinkle injections, commonly known as Botox, have been used in aesthetics for many years to smooth lines and soften the signs of ageing. However, research has shown that these injections can also significantly benefit people suffering from chronic migraine.
In July 2010, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) licensed Botox specifically for the treatment of chronic migraine in the UK.
Since then, it has become an established and approved treatment option.
The treatment works by blocking the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. By relaxing specific muscles in the head and neck and reducing the activation of pain pathways, the injections can help prevent migraine attacks from being triggered.
Clinical studies reveal that for many people, anti-wrinkle injections can lower the number of headache days by around 30–50%.
To put this into context, if you typically experience 18 migraine days per month, treatment could reduce this to around 9 to 13 days. For those who have been battling constant headaches, this can be life-changing.
Your Chronic Migraine Treatment Journey
We take time to ensure each patient feels comfortable and fully informed before starting treatment. Anti-wrinkle injections for migraine involve a series of small injections into specific points across the forehead, temples, back of the head, and neck.
The injection time usually takes around 20 minutes and does not require any downtime, meaning you can return to your normal activities right after.
Most patients begin to see visible improvement within 2 to 3 weeks, although full results are usually felt after the second or third treatment cycle.
The effects usually last for around 12 weeks, and treatment is typically repeated every three months to maintain benefits.
During your consultation, we will explain exactly what to expect, how treatment is tailored to your symptoms, and discuss whether this approach is right for you.
Benefits Beyond Aesthetics
While anti-wrinkle injections are best known for their cosmetic applications, their benefits for chronic migraine go far beyond that. The primary advantage is fewer migraine days, which allows people to regain more control over their lives.
Patients often report improvements in:
- Work productivity: Fewer sick days and less disruption to careers.
- Social life: Greater ability to make and keep plans without fear of an attack.
- Sleep quality: Fewer night-time headaches and less disruption to rest.
- Mental health: Relief from anxiety and stress, which are typically associated with chronic pain.
Many also report that the severity of their migraines is reduced, making attacks that do occur easier to manage.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Anti-wrinkle injections are typically for adults who meet the criteria of chronic migraine and who have tried at least three different forms of preventative medication without success.
They are not typically offered for episodic migraine, although in some cases, if symptoms become more frequent, treatment may be reconsidered.
It is important to note that while many patients experience significant improvement, results can vary. Some people find a significant reduction in migraine frequency, while others may see more moderate benefits.
Our role is to help you make an informed decision by reviewing your migraine history, discussing your previous treatment experiences, and exploring whether this approach could be a good fit for your needs.
Why Choose Light Touch Clinic in Surrey
Choosing where to have your treatment is an important decision. At Light Touch Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering safe, professional, and compassionate care.
Our team has vast experience in administering anti-wrinkle injections, both for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes, ensuring treatments are performed to the highest clinical standards.
Our patients come from across Surrey, including nearby towns such as Woking, Esher, and Chertsey, knowing that they can trust us to provide expert advice and fully bespoke treatments.
We combine medical expertise with a supportive and friendly environment, so you can feel reassured throughout your journey.
Final Thoughts
If you are living with chronic migraine and want to find effective relief, anti-wrinkle injections could be a treatment worth considering.
We understand how much migraines can disrupt your life, and we are here to help you explore options for reducing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being.
Book a consultation at Light Touch Clinic in Weybridge, Surrey, today and take the first step towards fewer migraine days and a brighter, more comfortable future.
