Migraine Sufferers Turn To Botox

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Some people treat painful and debilitating migraines with injections, nasal sprays and pills. Some patients prevent migraines by using blood pressure medicine and antidepressants.

Others are looking into Botox, KOCO-TV reported.

Sheila McMillan's migraines started when she was 15.

"Usually, mine was in the right eye. It felt like (my) eyeball was going to explode," she said.

McMillan said her life has changed thanks to the botulinum toxin, which is used by millions of Americans to smooth wrinkles.

"When you can go a solid month without a migraine, that's a huge celebration in my book," she said.

McMillan took part in a six-month study at the Headache Care Center in Springfield, Mo. Doctors wanted to see if Botox decreased the frequency and severity of migraines.

"There was a significant change or improvement in the individual who received Botox in their ability to participate in their daily activities," said Dr. Curtis Schreiber.

The FDA has not approved using Botox to prevent migraines. Studies are still ongoing, doctors said.

However, Schreiber said the findings are promising.

"The goal behind preventive therapy for migraine is to reduce the frequency, severity of the attacks or to improve quality of life," he said.

Doctors said that while Botox doesn't stop migraines, it helps to keep pain under control.

"I don't think you cure migraines any more than you cure diabetes. What you do is manage it," McMillan said.

The injections give her more freedom, she said.

"It's changed my life. It's changed how I live on a daily basis," McMillan said.

Schreiber said Botox is merely one option for migraine sufferers. He recommended that those who suffer from migraines visit their doctor or a headache specialist to find out what treatment would be best.