Botox has been around for decades and is most commonly considered a cosmetic treatment. Contrary to popular belief, there are more uses for Botox other than aesthetic reasons. One of its uses is treating a condition millions of Americans face: chronic migraines.

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But how does Botox work for chronic migraines? First, we’ll need to break down how Botox works in general.

Botox is short for “Botulinum Toxin”. The word “toxin” in the name sounds scary. However, it’s perfectly safe when used in injection form, and its medical application for migraines can prove highly effective. So, how does it work?

This medical use for Botox was discovered by accident. When patients who had migraines went for an anti-aging Botox injection, they experienced some pain relief. It’s theorized that Botox intercepts signals sent from the brain. These signals indicate the pain of a migraine, which results in that debilitating throbbing feeling. Much like how Botox “freezes” the face when used in cosmetic procedures, it “freezes” pain receptors.

This treatment is done through a series of injections over about three months. With this treatment plan, a patient may experience significantly reduced occurrences of migraines. The shots can also mitigate the severity of the migraines when they do occur.