Mercy's Dr. Howie Zheng Discusses Botox Treatments for Migraines

Botox isn't just for wrinkles anymore. Ten percent of the world's population suffers from migraine headaches, and they can find relief with Botox.

Chronic migraines, meaning 15 headache days a month or more, can be extremely debilitating. There is a treatment providing life-changing relief, however, as Botox isn't just for wrinkles anymore.

Angela Dowzicky is a chronic migraine sufferer. Her headaches are debilitating.

"(I was) literally laying in bed for weeks and not working. I've lost jobs because of it, and not being able to enjoy quality time with my children when they were younger," Dowzicky said.

She tried a host of medications, but nothing worked until she came to see Dr. Howie Zheng of The Neurology Center at Mercy. He treated her with Botox, and her life totally changed.

"It's unbelievable," Dowzicky said.

According to Dr. Zheng, Botox works on migraines by temporarily paralyzing certain muscles.

"When people have headaches or migraines in particular, the meninges, or the coverings of the skull, get irritated or inflamed. In addition, the muscles contract in a sense and they tug on the scalp, producing a version of the pain sensation. With Botox, what it's geared to do is mitigate that and help in terms of relaxing those muscles," Dr. Zheng said.

Dr. Zheng administers the Botox with a very fine needle on the forehead, temples, and back of the head, as well as across the shoulders. Patients have the injections every three months or so.
"The Botox, for a huge number of them, have really changed their life and have given them back what I think is key their quality of life, and time," Zheng said.

That's exactly what it did for Dowzicky.

"I have a complete, complete different perspective on life now. I'm up. I get to have more time, quality time with my children and grandson. I'm working. I'm not missing days from the office anymore," Dowzicky said.

To view Mercy neurologist Dr. Howie Zheng’s interview regarding Botox for migraines, click here.