A new study (Burstein R et al. Mechanism of Action of OnabotulinumtoxinA in Chronic Migraine: A Narrative Review. Headache 2020 Jul;60(7):1259-1272) reviewed the literature on the mechanism of action of Botox in chronic migraine. Botox is a preventive treatment for chronic migraine that significantly reduces the frequency of headaches. The traditional mechanism described for the muscle contractions that Botox reduces is not sufficient to explain its effectiveness in migraine, which is primarily a sensory neurological disease. After injection into the tissues, Botox reduces the transport of pro-inflammatory and excitatory neurotransmitters/neuropeptides that transmit pain. To prevent chronic migraine, Botox is injected into 7 muscles of the head and neck, resulting in the inhibition of pain nerve endings that are overactive in people with migraine. By inhibiting these sensory nerve endings, Botox prevents the activation and sensitization of central neurons thought to be involved in the genesis of migraine.

Get an appointment with us now in Greece, Athens, Crete, Kos, Heraklion, Chania, Ierapetra, Aghios Nikoalos, Sitia, Rethymnon!