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Topic: Botox as a treatment for CH? (Read 293 times) |
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thunter
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Botox as a treatment for CH?
« on: Aug 5th, 2005, 3:16am » |
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My doctor has recommended Botox as a treatment, as regular preventative is not doing much good, still having CH once a day treated by Imitrix. Over a month now. Williing to try anything but Botox injecions are very expensive and not covered by insurance as not ADA for this use. Dr says will eleminate CH for up to 3 months within 2 weeks. Anyone have any experience with this treatment?
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Bob_Johnson
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #1 on: Aug 5th, 2005, 8:08am » |
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A search on PubMed (National Library of Medicine) pulled up: Overall, no evidence, yet, that it's helpful with cluster.
Given, as you point out, the costs involved, I'd want to try the established treatments first. Only if they don't work for you would botox be worth considering.
This is the a good statement of current practice in treating cluster written by one of the better headache docs in the country. Print it out and use as a point of discussing other options with your doc.
Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor. It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. (2002)
http://www.brightok.net/~mnjday/chtherapy.pdf
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Bob Johnson
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burnt-toast
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #2 on: Aug 5th, 2005, 9:10am » |
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I've read that Botox injections are providing relief but have found limited clinical information to back up basic information and statements from Docs.
I would prefer to see the results of independent clinical trials before making a decision on a treatment that is a big money maker for some in the "make me perty" field of medicine. 
Tom
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Would the owner of the propane torch, egg beater, pipe expander and vise grips please claim these items. They're lodged in my head and I need the space.
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brainfreeze
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #3 on: Aug 5th, 2005, 10:07am » |
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Just curious  . Which area on the body is the botox injected?
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Susan
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Jill
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #4 on: Aug 5th, 2005, 1:56pm » |
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Hey...
I spoke with Dr. Rosen about Botox injections as they have been recommended for me as well.
Dr. Rosen is from Jefferson Headache clinic and knows his stuff about CH - he spoke at convention. He said that there have been no real studies regarding Botox and CH though there have been many on it with migraines. I asked him what he thought about trying it and he said it was a good idea.... I guess it depends on the person and their case... you know?
They inject you in the face - on both sides and not just the side affected with CH since that would look kinda funny  I cant remember the exact spots, it may vary to where the pain is... sorry...
I hope this helps. I am talking to my neuro about this at my next appointment and see if he still thinks that it is a good idea. In my opinion and I believe from what I took from Dr. Rosen, this sort of treatment doesnt have many risks but other options should be looked at first such as preventative meds especially since it is expensive... just a thought.
Jill
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"If you learn from your suffering and really come to understand the lesson you were taught you might be able to help someone else who is now in the phase. Maybe that is what its all about after all.."
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jcmquix
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #5 on: Aug 5th, 2005, 2:09pm » |
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This is what I thought when I heard the mention of Botox....
It is what it is 
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Would the owner of the propane torch, egg beater, pipe expander and vise grips please claim these items. They're lodged in my head and I need the space. (burnt-toast)
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The mad viking
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #6 on: Aug 6th, 2005, 3:20am » |
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As far as i know botox does no good for us clusterheads BUT i know there are some migrainers that it help
No evidence that it helps for CH so far
Svenn
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burnt-toast
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #7 on: Aug 6th, 2005, 8:13am » |
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I'd just like to know what Dr. Frankenstein come up with the idea of invecting folks with Botulism? I just can't comprehend how the leap from "poison in a can" to "great for ironing out wrinkles" was made.
I keep pictureing WHOO, HOO, HOO, AHH, AHH! Igor It's Alive, It's Alive!
Tom
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Would the owner of the propane torch, egg beater, pipe expander and vise grips please claim these items. They're lodged in my head and I need the space.
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clarence
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #8 on: Aug 6th, 2005, 9:07am » |
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This question has been asked a couple opf times on this board. I asked it about 6 months ago. I know that Karla responded that Botox helped her Migraines, but didn't touch her Clusters. Do a search on this board for Botox - there are a few threads on it. I didn't go with it, largely because of the anecdotal experiences I received from people on this board.
Casey
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Charlie
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #9 on: Aug 6th, 2005, 5:31pm » |
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I agree with Svenn. I can't recall an instance where Botox has been effective for CH.
It may be that your doctor wants to help but is frustrated.
Charlie
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thunter
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #10 on: Aug 9th, 2005, 10:23pm » |
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Want to thank all for their respose, it was very helpful and heart warming. I have decided to hold off and continue medication and see if series will pass.
Thanks to everyone!
Thunter
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Jasmyn
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Re: Botox as a treatment for CH?
« Reply #11 on: Aug 10th, 2005, 1:35am » |
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Well Botox may not relieve CH but at least we will be unable to have that painful expression on our faces when we have an attack! 
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Jazz 
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