Migraine Headaches Support Group

I am about ready to give Botox therapy a try. But I am not sure how to go about having it done. My neurologist does not do Botox therapy because insurance companies don't cover it, so his patients for the most part would not be able to benefit from it.

I'm at the point in my daily headaches where I figure there is little to lose, and possibly lots to gain, in giving it a try.

I know it will be an out of pocket expense for me.

So, some of my questions are:

1. Do I go to a cosmetic surgery center to get Botox therapy? Would they know how and where to inject for headache therapy?

2. Does anyone have a recommendation of a clinic in the Baltimore, MD area?

3. Does anyone know the approx out of pocket expense I should expect?

4. If any of you have had positive or negative experiences with Botox therapy to share that would help me, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks,

Todd

Todd, I noticed you are part of the NDPH forum as well. There is a long discussion on botox in the Medical/Treatment section about midway down. I know I posted a few there and even though I am NOT a big fan of botox....I am going back in next Wed to have it done again. There are more from your region on the NDPH forum that may be able to give you doctor names to help. You may also find them while you read and scroll through some topics. MaryR and drmeows usually have good connection to your area. It is my pain mgmt dr that does my injections. As I understand it, I don't even get close to a cosmetic dose when he does my injections. Bummer with botox for migraines because insurance still sees this as either cosmetic or experimental so you are out of pocket. I need to ask how many doses in a bottle, but consistently from my pain dr and another dr I used once for botox, I paid $1,500.00 for the bottle. Once a bottle is open it has to be used up on you or thrown away. It is not something drs keep on hand they order when you make the appt....okay, not sure what cosmetologists do?!?!? Let me know if you make any progress finding someone out your area to try botox, if not, PM me and I will ask my pain dr next Wed May 27 if he knows of anyone out your way you could go to....if you are interested in a pain mgmt dr?!?!

What great information KariJo! I bet Todd found it helpful as well. Thanks so much for posting.

Thanks, KariJo. I have scheduled a consult with a Plastic Surgeon/Dermatologist in the area who does Botox primarly for cosmetic but also for headache therapy. The consult is next week, and based on what information I hear I will make an informed decision on whether to proceed.

Todd, please keep us posted on your decision. And let us know how well it works for you if you elect to do it. I'm excited for you!

Todd, glad you found someone. Be sure to ask placement of the injections and how much would be injected in ALL of those sites. As I mentioned I am sensitive so I get different amounts even in places close together. The question asked by my neurologist of my pain dr when he does my injections is if he uses an EMG device. What that device does is checks on the spasms of the muscle at the time so you know you are hitting or injecting at the "hot" spot. My pain dr has a device; however, we have never had to use it because I already know before I go in where my "hot" spots are and then he also has standard places on the face he injects.....i.e. between the eyes at the scowel wrinkles...I mean muscles I will be interested in your consult and if you decide to go through with the procedure. Keep us all informed!

Todd --

Do NOT go to a cosmetic center! Go to an experienced neurologist.

If your insurance won't pay for it, it will cost about a thousand bucks a visit. No kidding. Fortunately, once you get rolling, you don't need too many visits per year.

My neurologist's patients usually get great results from botox, so he recommended it to me. Unfortunately, I didn't get as much relief as his other patients, and he said it wasn't worth the money to continue if I wasn't going to get significant relief.

Thanks for the tip. The botox from the cosmetic doctor did not give lasting relief, although my forehead looked great! No more furrowed brow

Todd

http://www.myconstantmigraines.com/

I have PERMANENT damage from BOTOX! I strongly suggest not getting it if it can be avoided. My Neuro at the time swore there was no true side effects that could happen but I am 31 and have to have an eyebrow and eyelid lift because of the botox. I went and saw a Neuroopthalmologist who verified this for me in writing. Never again. And of course, insurance isnt going to pay for the fix.

I HAVE BEEN ON IT FOR OVER 6 MONTHS I GET IT EVEERY 3 MONTHS WAS TOLD BY MY DOCTOR THAT'S THE EARLIEST I CAN GET IT.I FIND IT TOOK ME A WHILE.THE FIRST TIME NOT ALOT CHANGED.WHEN I WENT IN FOR THE 2NT ONE SHE GAVE ME A HIGHER DOSE.I HAVE BAD NECK PAIN GETS RID OF THE PAIN FOR A WHILE.EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT THEY SAY CAN TAKE 5-7 DAYS TO GET PAIN RELIEF.I DET THE BOTOX PLUS TAKE MIGRAINE MEDICATION.I BELIEVE IT'S WORTH TRYING.