Southeast Pain Care offers unique alternative

September 15, 2009 (Charlotte, NC) – With more than 30 million American suffering from migraines, doctors have studied this neurological disorder for years. But it was a dermatologist’s accidental discovery that has lead to years of study and use of Botox to alleviate migraine pain.

While it’s not clear if migraines are a vascular issue or a muscular one, there is plenty of evidence to show that injecting Botox in the areas of migraine pain can provide relief.

Botox contains a toxin that the Federal Drug Administration approved over a decade ago to treat eyelid spasms. Botox works by reducing the contractions of the muscles in and around the injection site. In effect, it immobilizes the muscle it has been injected into. In 2002 the FDA approved Botox for use in patients with wrinkles, abnormal neck movements and excessive sweating. National trials are currently studying Botox use in migraine pain treatment.

“Although it is not clear if migraines are muscular or vascular, it is clear the Botox injections alleviate pain in many migraine sufferers,” said Stephen Posiask, a physician with Southeast Pain Care.

The American Migraine Foundation estimates that migraines cost the United States more than $20 billion a year from direct medical expenses and work/productivity lost, so relief is key.

“With no real negative side effects, these injections are a great option for those who regularly suffer with migraines,” Dr. Posiask added.

Dr. Posiask has seen significant pain relief – up to 3 and-a-half months long – in many of his patients. The number of injections a person will receive for treatment depends on the severity and location of their migraine pain. Typically, a patient receives 20 or more injections at each treatment. Some patients feel immediate relief, but most feel changes in a day or two.

To learn more about migraine pain relief, including Botox injections, or to schedule a consultation, call Southeast Pain Care at 704-377-7246.

ABOUT SOUTHEAST PAIN CARE
Southeast Pain Care treats patients with a wide range of pain conditions, including acute pain from back injury, headaches and pain resulting from accidents or injuries or disease processes, such as diabetes. Physicians and staff at Southeast Pain Care provide patients with custom-tailored, multi-faceted treatment plans for addressing pain. On the web at www.sepaincare.com.