Botox for Migraines
Botox has been a popular treatment for reducing fine lines and wrinkles for decades, but it can also be effective for much more than aesthetic concerns. It can be a highly beneficial treatment for those struggling with chronic migraine and TMJ pain as well. With a few simple injections, you can finally feel relief.
What is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator injectable made of botulinum toxin that is most commonly known for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it’s also been shown to be highly effective at treating chronic migraines and pain from TMJ (temporomandibular joints) disorders.
Using Botox for Migraines and TMJ
When you have a migraine, your body releases neurotransmitters like glutamate. When injected into the face, head, and neck, the neurotoxin in the Botox formula blocks this release and, in turn, blocks the pain signals traveling from the brain to the nerves.
As for TMJ, Botox is typically injected into the muscles that control the jaw, it temporarily reduces the forces of the muscle contractions, releasing the tension, and reducing clenching, teeth grinding, and other harmful jaw movements.
What are the Benefits of Botox?
Botox for migraines and TMJ pain comes with an array of different benefits, including:
- Nonsurgical, minimally-invasive treatment
- Quick treatment, usually taking less than 30 minutes
- Proven safe and effective
- Prevents a migraine headache before it starts
- Loosens muscles that control the jaw to ease symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- Fewer side effects than other medications
Other Medical Uses of Botox
Besides its aesthetic purposes and its use for chronic migraines and TMJ, Botox is also used to treat the following:
- Overactive bladder
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Muscle spasms and contractions
- Eyelid twitching
- Droopy eyelids
- Strabismus (lazy eye)
Who is a Candidate for Botox?
Ideal candidates for Botox at Dental & TMJ Specialists of Greater DC are adults who are in generally good health, are nonsmokers, and are struggling with chronic migraines (have 15 or more headaches per month) or pain associated with temporomandibular disorders.
Botox is also beneficial for patients who have tried other treatments without finding full relief of their symptoms and those who are not allergic to the ingredients in Botox.
What to Expect with Botox
Botox treatment for migraines and TMD is very straightforward. Your provider will prepare the treatment area and then, using a very fine needle, inject Botox into the muscles of the face, head, neck, and/or around the temporomandibular joints. Where you receive injections can depend on where the pain originates or your trigger points.
For chronic migraines, we typically have patients start with two treatments a few weeks apart and then continued treatment every 12 weeks. Some patients find they don’t need to continue injections after the first two treatments, while others will need continual injections.
For TMD, we often recommend receiving injections every few months, but it can depend on how well each patient responds to Botox treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn about how Botox can help relieve your chronic migraines or pain associated with TMD, don’t hesitate to call our Bethesda, MD office at (240) 358-3078 or complete our online contact form.

Award-Winning Care
Dr. Kaplan has recently been awarded by the American College of Prosthodontists recognizing extraordinary collegiality, outreach, and community service.