It is a very effective therapy, which is proven by top-class clinical studies. We expect a significant reduction in headache intensity and frequency from the application of botulinum toxin for migraines. In exceptional cases, it is possible to eliminate headaches all together. On the other hand, there is also a small group of patients for whom this therapy does not work.

Botulinum toxin is a drug that has a high safety profile and has been used for decades in neurology, physiotherapy, urology, cosmetology and other medical specialties. For example, in neurology, which is the most important treatment area, botulinum toxin is also applied to children with cerebral palsy, stroke patients with spasticity, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, facial hemispasm and a number of other diseases.

Before the first application, we examine the patient neurologically and take a medical history. If botulinum toxin is indicated from a medical point of view and there are no contraindications, the application can proceed. The first visit to the doctor with the application takes about 30 minutes (maximum 60 minutes). Very thin application needles (so-called insulin needles) are used for the application, and 155 to 195 units of Botox are administered as standard. There are 5 units of Botox in each individual injection, therefore a total of 31 to 39 places are applied in the area of ​​the forehead, temples, back of the head, back of the neck and in the area of ​​the trapezius muscles. Although it is a large number of injections, the application itself takes up to 10 minutes and is well tolerated by the patient.

The most frequently applied sites for migraine

The effect of botulinum toxin starts approximately 7 days after application and the maximum effect is reached at around 1 month. The duration of the effect is individual, usually 3 months or more. Patients usually come for therapy once every 3 to 6 months. Botulinum toxin should not be applied during an infection, after vaccination or after surgery. If we applied botulinum toxin while you have a virus or after vaccination, antibodies could be formed that would neutralize the botulinum toxin and could cause it to be ineffective in the future as well. The safe limit for application is 14 days after you are declared healthy. If the botulinum toxin does not work on the first application, it is recommended to try one more treatment session. It does happen that the therapy is successful on the second dose.

Botulinum toxin is a very specific drug that requires a special approach and knowledge of application schemes. The doctors who apply botulinum toxin in our office have been working with this substance for over 20 years. Before the first application in our clinic, we require the signature of an informed consent to ensure that we have instructed you properly. In addition to the basic information about botulinum toxin, the informed consent is mainly focused on its side effects.

One copy of the informed consent remains in our medical records and one copy is given to the patient.

Please read the informed consent carefully.

Link to informed consent.

Health insurance does not cover this procedure. It is paid by the patient only.

Application of the recommended dose of botulinum toxin (155 – 200 units) costs CZK 11800.

In the case of therapy with a lower dose (100 units) CZK 7900.

We will be happy to provide you with current information.

Eduard Minks MD, PhD