Brenton Smith, MD
337-433-1212
Medical (Therapeutic) Botox
Targeted relief. Trusted medical care
Botox for Chronic Migraine Relief
​If you live with frequent migraines, you know they can disrupt work, family life, sleep, and overall well-being. Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is an FDA-approved preventive treatment for chronic migraine—meaning it’s designed to reduce how often migraines happen and how severe they feel over time.
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At our clinic, we evaluate your migraine history, confirm whether you meet criteria, and if appropriate, provide Botox injections as a preventive option.​​
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What is Botox—and how does it help migraines?
Botox is a purified protein used in medicine for decades. For migraine prevention, Botox is injected in small amounts into specific muscles of the head and neck. It helps by calming overactive pain pathways and reducing the release of pain-related chemicals involved in migraine.
Botox is not a “quick rescue” medication for a migraine that’s already started. It’s a preventive treatment that works best when repeated on schedule.
Who is a good candidate?
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Botox is typically recommended for adults with chronic migraine, which generally means:
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15 or more headache days per month, and
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At least 8 of those days have migraine features, for 3+ months
You may be an especially good candidate if:
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You’ve tried (or cannot tolerate) other preventive medicines
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Migraines are affecting work, school, sleep, or family life
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You’re using frequent “rescue” medications and want to reduce reliance
During your visit, we’ll confirm your headache pattern, review past treatments, and discuss whether Botox fits your goals and medical history.
What to expect from treatment
The procedure
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Botox is given as a series of small injections across specific areas of the head/neck.
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The visit typically takes 10–20 minutes.
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Most patients describe the injections as a quick pinch or pressure.
When you’ll notice results
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Some people begin noticing improvement in 1–2 weeks, but many need 2 full treatment cycles to see the best results.
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Treatments are typically repeated every 12 weeks.
How well it works
Many patients experience:
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Fewer migraine days per month
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Less severe migraines
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Less time missed from work/school
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Improved quality of life
Results vary, and we’ll track your progress using a headache diary and follow-up visits.
Benefits of Botox for migraine prevention
Botox may help you:
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Reduce the number of migraine days
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Decrease migraine intensity and duration
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Lower the need for rescue medications
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Improve function and day-to-day consistency
For many patients, Botox becomes part of a long-term plan that also includes trigger management, sleep support, hydration, nutrition, and appropriate medications.
Common side effects and safety
Most side effects are mild and temporary. These may include:
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Injection-site pain, swelling, or bruising
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Headache or neck soreness shortly after treatment
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Temporary muscle weakness near injection areas
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Drooping eyelid (uncommon)
Serious side effects are rare when Botox is administered properly and at appropriate doses. We’ll review your medical history to ensure it’s safe for you.
Tell us if you are:
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Pregnant or trying to become pregnant
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Breastfeeding
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Experiencing a neuromuscular disorder (like myasthenia gravis)
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Taking certain antibiotics or muscle relaxers
Insurance coverage and prior authorization
Botox for chronic migraine is often covered by insurance, but many plans require:
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Documentation of chronic migraine frequency
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Proof of prior preventive medication trials (varies by plan)
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A prior authorization process
Our team can help gather the necessary documentation and guide you through the steps.
How to prepare for your visit
To get the most out of your migraine evaluation:
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Bring a list of current and past migraine medications
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Note how many headache days you have per month
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Track symptoms and triggers if possible (sleep, stress, weather, foods, hormones)
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Bring any relevant neurology/imaging history if you have it
If you don’t already use one, we can recommend an easy headache diary format.
Botox for Other Medical Conditions
Botox is widely used in medicine to treat conditions caused by muscle overactivity or abnormal nerve signaling. In addition to chronic migraine prevention, Botox may be helpful for the following conditions:
​Botox for TMJ (Jaw Pain & Clenching)
​​​​​Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can cause:
Jaw pain or tightness
Headaches or facial pain
Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
Clicking or popping of the jaw
Pain with chewing or opening the mouth
How Botox helps:
Botox is injected into overactive jaw muscles (commonly the masseter and temporalis). This relaxes the muscles, reduces clenching, and helps relieve pain and tension.
Potential benefits include:
Reduced jaw pain and tightness
Fewer tension-type headaches
Decreased nighttime grinding or clenching
Improved jaw comfort and function
Results usually begin within 1–2 weeks and last 3–4 months.
​Botox for Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Hyperhidrosis causes sweating that is excessive and often unrelated to heat or activity.
Common areas include:
Underarms
Palms of the hands
Soles of the feet
How Botox helps:
Botox blocks the nerve signals that activate sweat glands, significantly reducing sweat production in the treated area.
Patients often experience:
Dramatic reduction in sweating
Improved confidence and daily comfort
Relief when topical treatments or medications haven’t worked
Improvement typically starts within a few days and can last 4–6 months or longer.
Botox for Myofascial Pain (Muscle Trigger Point Pain)
Myofascial pain syndrome involves tight, overactive muscles with painful trigger points that can cause localized pain or referred pain patterns.
It commonly affects:
Neck
Shoulders
Upper back
Jaw and facial muscles
How Botox helps:
Botox relaxes chronically contracted muscles, allowing trigger points to release and reducing ongoing muscle tension and pain signaling.
Potential benefits include:
Decreased muscle tightness and spasms
Reduction in chronic neck or shoulder pain
Improved range of motion
Fewer pain flares related to muscle tension
Botox may be used when conservative treatments such as stretching, physical therapy, or medications have not provided sufficient relief.
Botox for Keloids (Raised Scar Treatment)​
Keloids are thick, raised scars that form due to an overactive healing response and may continue to grow beyond the original injury.
They can cause:
Pain or tenderness
Itching or irritation
Cosmetic concerns
Restricted movement if located near joints
How Botox helps:
Botox may help reduce tension within the surrounding skin and scar tissue, decreasing symptoms such as pain, itching, and continued thickening. It is often used as an adjunct to other treatments, such as steroid injections or scar management therapy.
Potential benefits include:
Reduced scar-related discomfort or itching
Softer, flatter appearance over time
Improved comfort and mobility in affected areas
Treatment plans vary depending on scar size, location, and prior therapies.
Is Botox right for you?
Botox is a medical treatment—not just a cosmetic one.
During your visit, we will:
-Review your symptoms and medical history
-Determine whether Botox is appropriate for your condition
-Discuss expected benefits, risks, and alternatives
Insurance coverage varies by diagnosis, and some treatments may be self-pay. Our team can help guide you through available options.
Interested in learning more? Ask our team whether Botox may be an option for your medical condition. Call our Lake Charles office at 337-433-1212 to schedule an appointment today with Dr Smith and his team.
FAQ
Is Botox safe? Yes. Botox has been used safely in medical care for decades. When administered by a trained medical provider at appropriate doses, serious side effects are rare. We review your medical history carefully before treatment.
How long does Botox last? Most medical Botox treatments last 3–4 months, though hyperhidrosis treatment may last 4–6 months. Effects wear off gradually, and treatments can be repeated if beneficial.
Will I need repeat treatments? Many patients benefit from ongoing treatments, but this varies. Some patients space treatments out or stop if symptoms improve significantly.
How long does Botox last? Most medical Botox treatments last 3–4 months, though hyperhidrosis treatment may last 4–6 months. Effects wear off gradually, and treatments can be repeated if beneficial.
How long does Botox last? Most medical Botox treatments last 3–4 months, though hyperhidrosis treatment may last 4–6 months. Effects wear off gradually, and treatments can be repeated if beneficial.
Is medical Botox the same as cosmetic Botox? Yes—the medication is the same. The difference is why and where it’s injected. Medical Botox targets specific muscles or nerves to treat pain, muscle overactivity, or abnormal nerve signaling rather than cosmetic appearance.
Does Botox cure the condition? No. Botox is a management tool, not a cure. It helps reduce symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life while it’s active.
Is Botox covered by insurance? Coverage depends on the condition and your insurance plan: Chronic migraines are often covered with prior authorization Hyperhidrosis may be covered in certain cases TMJ and myofascial pain are often self-pay Our office can help review coverage and authorization requirements.
How long does Botox last? Most medical Botox treatments last 3–4 months, though hyperhidrosis treatment may last 4–6 months. Effects wear off gradually, and treatments can be repeated if beneficial.