What treatment plans are available?
With chronic pain, it's important to assess each individual's needs and take into account medical history, previously-tried treatments, and wellness goals. We're committed to finding a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle, and will ultimately help you feel better.
To get started, book your free phone assessment today:
Our expert team of doctors and pharmacists have years of experience in successfully helping people with chronic migraines find medication that provides the best migraine relief. Our goal is to design an individualized medication program that is effective, has minimal side effects, and reduces reliance on painkillers.
Most migraine drug therapies fall into one of three classes of medication: • Instant Relief: OTC pain medications that are taken at the first signs of a migraine to reduce the headache component. • Acute: Prescribed (?) medications taken to stop a migraine that has already started. • Preventative: Medications that are taken on a regular schedule (usually daily) to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
We consider your whole medical history, as well as the medications and supplements you are currently on when developing your StopMigraine.ca Treatment Program.
Cost Your provincial healthcare covers your initial doctor consultation. The coverage of the prescribed medication depends on your private insurance plan.
In 2011, Health Canada approved Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) as a safe and effective therapy for chronic migraines. The treatment involves injecting Botox into the shallow muscles of the head and neck to prevent muscle spasms, block the triggering of pain impulses, and inactivate headache generating signals produced by the brain during a migraine.
Botox can significantly reduce the number of migraines you get each month. It also helps to decrease the severity of migraine symptoms, such as pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. In most cases, Botox therapy is compatible with other drug therapies and has the added benefit of reducing the amount of medication you need to take to manage your migraines.
To qualify, you must: • Be 18+ years old • Get 15+ migraines a month • Have tried two drug prophylactic (preventative) treatments without success • Not currently be pregnant or breast-feeding
If you qualify, treatment will be preceded by a comprehensive consultation and assessment by the physician who will ultimately administer the injections. Our physicians are experienced in the use of Botox for migraines, as well as the overall management of migraines. This is important because Botox is just one component of a comprehensive treatment program.
What to expect from a treatment Each treatment session typically involves about 30 pin prick-like injections into 7 areas on the head and neck. Sessions are every 3 months to maintain the therapeutic benefit. The most common side effect of Botox is a sore neck, which can be treated with an ice pack.
Cost If you have insurance coverage, you will only pay the Physician Service Fee which is $75 for your initial assessment and $150 per treatment visit. Approximately 95% of private insurance plans will cover the cost of the Botox. If you do not have insurance coverage, it will cost $800 per treatment.
