Yes, this procedure has been offered for migraines since about 1994, but
it might also be noted that another "downside" is that the person is being
injected with BOTULISM toxin. (Called "Botox.")
The possible side effects, quite severe, have to be weighed against the
severity of the migraines and only after other measures have proved
unsuccessful. Another consideration, which I would take quite seriously,
would be to make sure the physician is very competent. This is a
potentially dangerous procedure. The effects do last for about 3 months
and cost "several hundred dollars" per treatment.
At present, the only FDA-approved use of Botox is to stop tremors and
spasms, but doctors are allowed to use medications for conditions other
than those for which they're designed as long as they see a benefit. I
think I'd be pretty leary of having botulism toxin injected so close to
what I have left of my brain.
Beth Benoit
University of Massachusetts Lowell
> A friend who suffers migraines tells me that she heard botulism injections
> are also being touted as a mirgraine cure. If the botulism injections
> temporarily paralyze the nerves in the muscles that produce frowns (is this
> indeed what happens?), then it appears to be a less drastic way to arrive
> at the same conclusion. The downside is that the injections are temporary
> in nature and relatively expensive for a long-term treatment. The upside
> is that they are a temporary fix and be stopped at any time. Anyone ever
> heard of this?
>
> Margie Stinson
> Adjunct Faculty, Lee College
> Huntsville, Texas
>
