Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a NICE-approved, evidence-based treatment for chronic migraine, defined as 15 or more headache days per month. At Wessex Pain Clinic, our consultant pain specialists provide Botox for chronic migraine following the PREEMPT protocol for patients across Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Dorset, Berkshire, Wiltshire and the South of England, with clinics in Winchester, Southampton, Basingstoke and Chichester.
In chronic migraine, pain pathways in the head and neck become sensitised, leading to frequent and disabling headaches. Botox works by blocking the release of certain chemicals involved in the transmission of pain signals from nerves to the brain.
The treatment involves a series of small injections into specific points across the head, neck, and shoulders. These are standardised as part of the PREEMPT protocol, which includes 31 fixed sites, with optional additional injections based on individual pain patterns.
Botox does not paralyse muscles in the way it is used cosmetically â in migraine, it works to calm overactive nerve endings and reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Botox injections are performed as an outpatient procedure and usually take 10â15 minutes. Youâll be seated or lying comfortably. Using a fine needle, your consultant will inject small amounts of Botox into the scalp, forehead, temples, back of the head, neck, and shoulders according to the standard protocol.
The injections are usually well tolerated, with minimal discomfort. You can go home the same day and resume normal activities shortly afterwards.
All procedures carry some risks, which will be discussed in detail with you during your consultation. The most common side effects are temporary and may include neck discomfort, headache flare, or mild weakness in treated muscles. Formal consent will always be obtained before treatment.
Results vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed. Your consultant will discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for you.
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Driving advice: You should not drive that day if receiving any sedation. Our procedures do vary on whether they are possible to drive home from yourself, please seek advice from your consultant about driving advice. If you are seeing us for an injection and planning on driving, please check with us beforehand about whether it will be possible to drive yourself home afterwards.
Wessex Pain Clinic provides consultant-led assessment and treatment for acute and chronic pain conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes Consultant Pain Specialists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists, offering evidence-based interventions alongside rehabilitation and self-management support. We welcome patients from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey and Sussex, including Winchester, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Chichester â with both in-clinic appointments and remote consultations available across the wider Wessex region.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
