It may decrease pain frommigraineswhenover-the-counter (OTC) pain relieversor other treatments have not provided relief.
The injections can be effective for headaches, but there are side effects to be aware of.
The injection may also contain corticosteroid or other anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve swelling that surrounds the nerves.
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The procedure takes only a few minutes to complete.
The local anesthetics may cause numbness for a few hours, but should not cause any noticeable problems.
How Long Does a Migraine Nerve Block Lasts?
It can take a few days for the full effects of the nerve block to be realized.
Relief from migraine pain can last for several days to months.
A nerve block can be repeated every two to four weeks.
If you receive injections with a corticosteroid, treatments are administered about every three months.
Which one is best depends on your symptoms and your healthcare provider’s assessment.
Botulinum toxin or Botox injectionshave been approved by the FDA to treat chronic migraines.
Side Effects
Side effects are usually temporary and resolve in about six to eight hours.
However, it is still a good idea to arrange for someone else to drive you home.
Most people are able to resume normal activities the following day.
The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic close to the targeted nerve.
The injection may also include an anti-inflammatory medication to help calm down swelling that surrounds the nerves.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Botulinum Toxin Injectables for Migraines.
2021;69(Supplement):S228-S256.
