At our CQC-registered, consultant dermatologist-led clinic, treatment follows a detailed medical assessment and is delivered by experienced healthcare professionals. Patients travel to us from across Kent, including Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover and Deal.
About the Condition
Chronic migraine is usually defined as headaches on at least 15 days a month, with at least eight of those being migraine. Botulinum toxin is licensed in the UK for the prevention of headaches in adults with chronic migraine when other preventive medicines have not worked or were not suitable.
Common features include:
- Headaches on 15 or more days each month
- Migraine symptoms such as throbbing pain, nausea or sensitivity to light and sound
- Previous preventive medicines that have not helped or were not suitable
- Time off work or activities because of headaches
- A wish to reduce the number of headache days
Migraine should always be properly diagnosed first, as other conditions can cause similar headaches. We will ask about your history and previous treatments, and may recommend that you speak to your GP or a neurologist if botulinum toxin is not the right route for you.
How We Treat It
Botulinum toxin works by blocking pain signals from the nerve endings around the head and neck. Treatment involves a series of small injections into the scalp, forehead, temples, neck and shoulders.
Treatment is usually repeated at around three-monthly intervals, and the benefit builds over a few treatment cycles. Individual results vary, and not everyone responds.
When to See a Specialist
Please see your GP or seek urgent medical advice if you have a sudden severe headache, headache with weakness, confusion, visual loss or a stiff neck, or a new headache pattern after the age of 50.
Book a consultation if you have frequent headaches that have not responded to other treatment and you would like to find out whether botulinum toxin is suitable for you.
Further reading: NHS – Migraine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is botulinum toxin an approved treatment for migraine?
Yes, it is licensed in the UK for adults with chronic migraine when other preventive medicines have not worked or were not suitable.
How long does a migraine treatment appointment take?
Treatment takes around 45 minutes.
How often will I need treatment?
Treatment is usually repeated around every three months. Your doctor will review your response with you.
Will it work for me?
Not everyone responds. Many people notice fewer headache days over a few treatment cycles, but individual results vary.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and can include temporary neck stiffness, headache or bruising at the injection sites. Your doctor will explain risks at your consultation.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us, online or by phone.
Get your concern assessed
First step
Consultation with our doctor, £100, redeemable against treatment within 12 weeks. Migraine treatment £750
Appointment
45 minutes
Availability
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks
Treatments for Migraines
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