Migraines no more: Life-changing Botox treatment

Heather Klanderman started experiencing migraines when she was in middle school. The 37-year-old Menomonie, Wisconsin, resident saw multiple doctors but found no relief. She attributed her headaches to stress. At age 20, she suffered a concussion while playing softball, and the problem got worse.

“That’s when I started having migraines and daily headaches,” Heather says. “Some days, it felt like my head was going to explode from pain.”

In addition to the pain, Heather sometimes experienced nausea, scalp tenderness, extreme tiredness, and sensitivity to light, sound and smells. While most of the migraines occurred in the left side of Heather’s head, the less-frequent right-side migraines were even worse.

“Then I was done for the day,” Heather says. “I could not function because of the pain and symptoms.”

Migraine pain-relief options

Heather was referred to a neurologist and tried many treatments, including diets, medications and chiropractic care.

“None of it really helped,” Heather says. “I thought this was going to be the rest of my life — having constant, daily headaches.”

“I had only heard about Botox being used for wrinkles. I was open to it, but I didn't want to jump into it. I'm a person who likes to do research.” — Heather Klanderman

When Heather went to see Kerri Crank, a Neurology nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, she learned of a treatment option that took her by surprise: Botox injections.

“I was hesitant at first,” Heather says. “I had only heard about Botox being used for wrinkles. I was open to it, but I didn’t want to jump into it. I’m a person who likes to do research.”

Heather contemplated the treatment for about a year. Besides putting her own mind at ease, Heather wanted to make sure that her husband and family were on board.

Botox treatment

Heather eventually went to see Scott Spritzer, D.O., a neurologist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, who explained how the treatment works. Botox is a botulinum toxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles. The toxin makes a nerve unable to activate a muscle.

“When we inject a small amount of Botox in the muscles of the face, head and neck, it can significantly reduce migraines and improve quality of life,” Dr. Spritzer says. “The actual effect most likely goes beyond just paralyzing those muscles. As we know, migraines are not a muscle-mediated problem, but more of a physiologic problem within the central nervous system. The toxin is taken into the brain and likely modulates the way the brain processes pain.”

The first treatment involves 31 injections using a small needle. Subsequent treatments, typically administered every three months, may involve different areas of the head, depending on results.

The treatment is not for everyone. Most insurance companies that cover the cost require patients to try other treatments first, such as antidepressants, and blood pressure and seizure medications. Many people respond well to medications. Candidates for Botox treatment are those who experience at least 15 headache days per month, with eight meeting the criteria for migraines. The major features of migraines include moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head that worsens with activity or causes a person to avoid activity. Other indicators include nausea, vomiting, and light or sound sensitivity.

“Some patients don’t see much improvement after the first round of injections,” Dr. Spritzer says. “I advise patients to give it a try for at least three rounds.”

Migraine relief, at last

For Heather, the results were dramatic.

“It has been life-changing,” Heather says. “I noticed a reduction in my headaches and migraines after the first round, and every time it has gotten better.” Heather says she now only needs an occasional over-the-counter painkiller for mild headaches.

“My life was constant headaches. I’m so thankful. The difference has been amazing.” — Heather Klanderman

Dr. Spritzer says it is a good feeling to see a patient have such a good result.

“That’s the main reason we practice medicine,” Dr. Spritzer says. "When pain impacts a person’s ability to work and have a good family life, and they have struggled to find a treatment that works, it’s always encouraging when you can have that significant of a response.”

Heather says she couldn’t be happier with her treatment and the end result.

“Dr. Spritzer explained the treatment and helped me understand it,” says Heather. “That made me less anxious. I had complete and total faith in him. My life was constant headaches. I’m so thankful. The difference has been amazing.”