Botox® is a type of botulinum toxin injection that blocks nerve signals to muscles, causing them to relax. Although Botox is commonly used for cosmetic purposes, it can also be used to block pain signals caused by chronic migraines.
Botox is a botulinum toxin injection that blocks nerve signals that cause pain and muscle contractions. It works by relaxing overactive nerves and reducing pain signals. Although Botox is often used for cosmetic purposes, it can also be used to treat chronic migraines.
You may need Botox for migraines if your headaches have not responded to other treatments, occur 15 or more days a month, and last four hours per day or longer.
Botox may reduce migraine's:
Botox can also be combined with other migraine treatments and used for long-term migraine control with a low risk of complications or side effects.
You may be a candidate for Botox if you have chronic migraines that have not responded to medications or other noninvasive treatments.
Botox is safe when administered by a health care provider. Although it is made from botulinum toxin, which can cause a serious nerve disorder called botulism when consumed in large amounts, Botox is a diluted form of botulinum toxin that is produced under sterile conditions in a lab.
Side effects depend on the area where you received your Botox injection and may include:
Botox is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions.
To prepare for the procedure, you should:
You should be able to resume your normal activities immediately after your Botox procedure.
Botox for migraines is typically performed in your doctor’s office and takes about 20 minutes to administer.
You may receive Botox injections in several areas, including the:
On the day of your Botox procedure, wear comfortable clothing that allows your doctor to access your head and neck. Avoid wearing makeup and have migraine medicine ready in case you have a migraine attack.
Although you can return to school, work, and other normal activities immediately after your Botox treatment, you may want to set aside time to rest after your procedure in case you experience any discomfort or fatigue.
During the procedure, your doctor will:
Botox injections use very small needles and cause little to no discomfort. You will not need anesthesia before your injections.
You should be able to return to your normal activities immediately after your Botox treatment.
To reduce your risk of side effects, you should avoid:
It may take up to two weeks to notice the full results of Botox treatment. You may need two to three cycles of injections to experience long-lasting relief.
Because the effects of Botox are temporary, you will need repeated injections every 10 to 12 weeks to manage symptoms. Your doctor will schedule an appointment for another series of injections after your first Botox injection.
If your migraine symptoms improve over time, your doctor may eventually recommend spacing out injections or stopping them, depending on your needs.
Call your provider immediately if you have:
Many patients experience significant improvement in migraine frequency and severity after Botox injection. However, your expected success rate will depend on your condition and other factors.
When you choose UPMC for your Botox treatment, you will receive:
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-03-04.
