Talking Migraine and
Botox With Dr. Austad
Migraine headache and other forms of head pain (they don't
always ache) are extremely common in the United States
. A recent and highly informative Time Magazine article
(“How to Prevent a Migraine”, Time, July 1, 2002 ) notes
that 28 million Americans experience migraines, and estimates
that 9 million of them are not significantly helped by
the various medications and other remedies available in
the past. This article describes, in terms more straightforward
than most of the medical literature, the central concept
of the approach offered by Dr. Austad: a trial of Botox
to specific muscles of the face and/or head. We take this
concept one step further, when indicated, by offering surgical
treatment of those same muscles. As the article notes, “There's
a new wrinkle on headache cures: Botox. It often works
when nothing else does.” Our expertise applies the
anatomical knowledge and finesse of a board-certified plastic
surgeon to accurately place Botox blocks, and to surgically
remove specific muscles for patients who desire a more
permanent solution. We don't have all of the answers to
head pain, but we're at the forefront of a very promising
approach and we're anxious to discuss your options with
you.
When Should I Consider
an Evaluation by Dr. Austad?
Everyone probably experiences headache or other head pain
at one time or another, and it may be difficult to decide
just when to take this problem seriously and seek medical
evaluation. Many of us simply rely on aspirin or Motrin,
and hope for the best. Ultimately, you are the judge of
when it's time to seek help; however, it's also your job
to gather enough information to make an informed decision.
You should know, in particular, that significant worsening
of a lifelong headache pattern; headache following trauma;
and sudden onset of severe headache should particularly
prompt your consultation with a neurologist or another
physician conversant with head pain. If you have an occasional
headache, and it's not particularly disturbing to your
daily routines, Botox and/or surgical possibilities are
probably not worth considering. On the other hand, if head
pain is frequent and/or severe, and you believe it's time
to take note, we would suggest the following approach:
Get the advice of your family physician; have
a general physical examination
Discuss a referral to a neurologist and have further
evaluation
OR
Discuss a Botox block with us;
it's straightforward, and within a week it will give
you a clear view of whether or not we might be of further
help. It will also get rid (for 2-3 months) of some of
those forehead furrows and wrinkles.
