Botox and migraine pain. I have been getting injections of Botox in my forehead and neck muscles...

Teena,

We have an article here, Intradermal Botox for Migraine, Headache, Pain Disorders. There's a link near the bottom of the article to the original research poster too. There are many, many articles in medical journals. Good journals to look in are Headache and Cephalalgia. You can research on PubMed.

Ask someone at your insurance company if they'll pay for amitriptyline, gabapentin, and verapamil. I'll bet they say, "Yes," and there are as many studies on Botox as there are on those medications.

There are over 100 medications in use for Migraine prevention, yet only 4 of them are FDA approved. I can't really prove it, but I suspect that insurance companies don't want to pay for Botox because of the cost.

Good luck,

Teri

Teena,

I recently changed employers and, as a result, my health insurance provider changed as well.  My previous insurance had been paying for my Botox treatments for the past year and a half; very, very successfully, I might add.  My new insurance, however,  has not only denied my claim for continiued treatment, but they refuse to accept my neurologists letters of "medically necessary treatment" and are unwilling to take into account my past medical history and unsuccessful treatments for migraines.  I have suffered from migraines for over 25 years and believe that I have tried 99% of the treatments available.  Aside form the norm of imitrex, zomig, anti-depressents, etc., I have also tried oxygen therapy and hospitalization for 5 days with IV treatment.  Yes, some have worked initially but over time have lessened significantly if effectiveness.  Now, with Botox injections every 3 months, and the occassional use of Zomig, my migraines are under control and I am able to lead a life much less interrupted and affected by pain.

So now, without insurance coverage for Botox, I am in panic mode and ready to fight.  I absolutely cannot afford the treatments on my own ($1100.00 every three months) and I'm hoping since your question on 05/09/08 that you have had some success with your insurance company and can possibly steer me in a direction for my own continued treatment.  Any suggestions that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  Right now, I don't know where to turn, and honestly, at this point, I'm scared and beginning to feel hopeless.  I am due for a treatment next week and already my menstrual migraines are recurring with frequency.  I hope that maybe you have some answers.

I apologive for the length of this and I thank you in advance for your help.

Kathy