Botox® for Migraine
A Proven Path to More Headache-Free Days
Chronic migraine is more than just a headache; it is a neurological condition that can claim 15 or more days of your month. At Irvine Headache Care, we utilize the FDA-approved PREEMPT protocol to help reset your neurological pain threshold and help you reclaim your time.
Why Choose Specialized Botox® Treatment?
While many clinics offer injections, a specialized neurological approach ensures that your treatment is part of a comprehensive diagnostic plan.
Precision and Expertise: Every injection is personally performed by Dr. Cheng, a board-certified neurologist and UCNS-certified headache specialist.
The PREEMPT Protocol: We follow the established clinical standard for chronic migraine, targeting specific points to block pain transmission before it starts.
Tailored "Follow the Pain" Technique: In addition to the standard protocol, we utilize a "follow the pain" methodology, adding injections to specific areas where you personally experience the most significant tenderness or tension.
Unrushed Care: Your procedure takes place in a calm environment designed for your comfort and privacy.
What to expect?
Botox® for migraine is a preventative treatment administered every 12 weeks. The procedure is efficient, involves very fine needles, and requires no downtime.
The Procedure: You will receive a series of small injections in specific sites across the forehead, temples, back of the head, and neck.
Immediate Aftercare: Most patients return to their normal daily activities immediately after leaving the office.
Post-Treatment Sensations: It is not uncommon to experience a mild "procedural" headache or some localized tenderness at the injection sites for 24–48 hours following the visit. This is typically temporary as the medication begins to settle.
Timeline for Results: Botox® is a cumulative therapy. While some notice a difference early on, most patients begin to see a meaningful reduction in headache frequency and severity after their second or third treatment cycle.
A Note on Insurance & Botox® Coverage
We believe in transparent pricing and helping you maximize your benefits while maintaining a direct-pay model.
The Medication (Botox® Toxin): We will work with your insurance provider to submit the necessary authorizations so that your insurance covers at least a portion of the Botox® medication itself.
The Injection Fee: There is a separate professional fee for the administration of the toxin, which is collected at the time of your service.
Your Reimbursement: Following your appointment, we will provide you with a detailed Superbill. This includes the professional injection fee, which you can submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox®
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While the medication itself is the same, the protocol is entirely different. For chronic migraine, we follow the FDA-approved PREEMPT protocol, which involves 31 specific injection sites across the head and neck to target pain-sensing nerves. In our practice, we also utilize a "follow the pain" approach, adding tailored injections to the specific areas where you experience your most significant tension.
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Most patients describe the sensation as a tiny "pinch" or “burn" We use extremely fine needles and a precise technique to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Because we operate in an unhurried environment, we take the time to ensure you feel calm, prepared and supported throughout the process.
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Botox® is a long-term preventative strategy rather than an "instant fix." Most patients begin to notice a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of their headaches after their second or third treatment cycle (at approximately 6 months).
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Yes. Botox® is designed to work alongside your existing acute "rescue" medications. The goal is that over time, you will find yourself needing those rescue medications much less frequently.
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Because we do treat the forehead as part of the clinical protocol, you may notice less movement in that area and a subsequent softening of wrinkles. For many, this is a welcome side effect; however, your comfort and identity are my priority. If you prefer a more natural look with more expressive movement, we can tailor the placement and dosage in the forehead to achieve a result that feels right for you while still maintaining the clinical efficacy of the treatment.