Chronic Migraines and Specialist Injectable Treatment
Chronic migraine is not the same as simply having frequent headaches. It usually means headaches on 15 or more days per month, with migraine features on at least 8 of those days, for more than 3 months.
It can have a major impact on work, sleep, family life and mental wellbeing. The Migraine Trust and NICE both use this definition in guidance for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Hemel Cosmetic offers consultation for prescribed migraine prevention treatment with an independent nurse prescriber. Any prescription treatment can only be considered after a suitable face-to-face consultation and clinical assessment.
When specialist injectable treatment may be considered
For people with chronic migraine, prescribed migraine prevention treatment may be considered when symptoms are significantly affecting daily life and other management strategies have already been explored.
NICE guidance describes the role of botulinum toxin type A for some adults with chronic migraine, particularly within a structured medical management plan.
This is not usually a first step for occasional migraines. It is considered in more persistent and disabling cases after proper assessment.
What to expect at consultation
A consultation for chronic migraine treatment should include:
- review of headache pattern and frequency
- assessment of migraine symptoms and triggers
- discussion of previous treatments tried
- review of medications and medical history
- explanation of whether prescribed migraine prevention treatment may be appropriate
- a clear discussion of risks, benefits and expected follow-up
Keeping a headache diary before your appointment can be very helpful.
How this treatment is used in migraine care
In chronic migraine care, this type of prescribed injectable treatment is used according to a specific protocol across a number of head and neck sites.
The aim is prevention, not immediate relief of an active migraine attack. Results are usually assessed over time rather than after a single day or week.
NICE notes that treatment response should be reviewed regularly and continued only when there is meaningful benefit.
Important points to understand
- this is a prescription-only medicine and requires assessment by a suitable prescriber
- it is used for chronic migraine prevention, not for every type of headache
- not everyone is suitable, and not everyone responds in the same way
- follow-up and monitoring are part of safe care
When to seek urgent medical help
Headaches always need urgent medical review if they are sudden and explosive, linked to confusion, weakness, seizures, fever, neck stiffness, visual loss or other neurological symptoms.
Those symptoms need emergency assessment and should not be treated as routine migraine.
Local note
Hemel Cosmetic is based in Hemel Hempstead and welcomes clients from St Albans, Watford, Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Tring, Kings Langley and Apsley who want to discuss chronic migraine management with an appropriate prescriber.
Living with chronic migraines? Book a consultation to discuss whether prescribed migraine prevention treatment may be appropriate for you.
Important information for UK readers
We do not advertise prescription-only medicines to the public. References to anti-wrinkle injections are provided as general information only. Any prescription treatment is considered only after an in-person consultation with a qualified prescriber, who will assess suitability, discuss risks, benefits and alternatives, and decide whether a prescription is appropriate. Content on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It does not include product pricing or inducements. It follows CAP Code rule 12.12 and MHRA guidance on advertising prescription-only medicines. asa.org.uk+1
Sources
This article is based on UK migraine definitions and treatment guidance from NICE, The Migraine Trust and NHS headache advice.
