Botox™ for Sweating and Migranes

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating):

Hyperhidrosis is a common, often debilitating condition that can affect one’s quality of life.  It is a condition of excessive sweating, either focally (in one or a couple of areas) or generalized (whole body).  There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary, usually occurring early in life, with no particular reason and secondary, usually occurring later on due to some other cause (diabetes, alcoholism, thyroid disease etc…).

There are multiple treatment options: nothing at all, Drysol™, iontophoresis, oral medication, surgery and Botox™.

In my office, we use Botox™ for focal hyperhidrosis, usually in the area of the armpits, hands or feet.  It usually lasts 4-6 months and the cost of the medication is often covered by medical insurance plans. 

Migraines:

Botox™ is used off-label for migraine headaches and myofascial neck and back pain (muscle spasm in the neck and back).

Migraines used to be thought of as “vascular headaches”, but Botox™ has taught us that we never really understood them that well.  Botox™ has been used for cosmetic purposes since 1990, coincidentally, patients that had frown lines treated cosmetically were coming back saying that there headaches were better.  Since then we know that Botox™ helps up to 89% of individuals with migraine headaches.  Usually the cost of the medication is covered by insurance plans, but not always.

Myofascial pain:

A common condition is myofascial neck and back pain (trigger points and spasm locally in the neck and back).  While Botox™ is not officially approved for myofascial pain, it is commonly used with success.  Again, the cost of the medication is often covered by insurance plans.