Therapeutic Botox
For Medical Conditions
What is Therapeutic Botox?
The term “Therapeutic Botox” describes Botox that is used for the treatment of medical conditions and is distinguished from Botox and Dysport that is used for aesthetic purposes. Patients often report that therapeutic Botox can be a life-changing treatment for common and serious medical conditions such as chronic migraine headaches, teeth grinding (bruxism) and some TMJ issues, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
How does Therapeutic Botox work?
Depending upon the goals of treatment, therapeutic Botox reduces neurotransmitters and/or the strength of muscle contraction that are implicated in chronic migraine headaches and excessive jaw clenching. In the case of excessive sweating, Botox injections into the skin reduces the activity of sweat glands in the treated area. As these treatments are considered to be advanced treatments, they are best administered by a skilled and experienced practitioner.
Dr Krushel has performed over a thousand of these procedures throughout Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories, and he uses this vast experience to individualize treatments and determine the precise amount and best locations to place the Botox. Working closely with the neurologists of the Alberta Neurologic Clinic for the patients of the NWT and Alberta, he also provides cranial nerve blocks and sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) blocks for some patients with chronic migraine headaches.
What areas does Therapeutic Botox treat?
Chronic Migraine Headaches
Typical chronic migraine protocols involve 155-200 units of Botox in 35 to 45 different locations in the forehead, scalp, neck, and shoulders. Treatments are usually repeated every 3 to 4 months. Prior to contemplating Botox for chronic migraine headaches, please consult with your family doctor or neurologist to see if this treatment is appropriate for you. Botox for chronic migraine headaches is usually administered to patients with greater than 15 headache days per month, and for whom other preventive or prophylactic migraine medication are not appropriate, or have been ineffective (e.g., amitriptyline or beta blockers)
Bruxism and TMJ Issues
Botox for bruxism and teeth grinding can be very useful in patients who grind their teeth, lose enamel, for whom a nightguard has not been successful, and for those that have resultant TMJ issues and/or tension in the jaw or temple. Dr. Krushel also advises these patients to avoid chewing gum, ensure good “sleep hygiene”, and to utilize relaxation and stress reduction techniques. Typical bruxism treatments require 40 to 100 units every 4 to 6 months.
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating, either from arm pits, hands, feet, or the face can be socially awkward, embarrassing, and significantly affect one’s activities and quality of life. If long-lasting antiperspirants do not work, and/or Drysol is not effective, one can consider intradermal Botox in the affected area. Typical underarm treatments involve a total of 100 units of precisely administered intradermal Botox every 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Therapeutic Botox take to work?
Similar to Botox use for fine lines and wrinkles of the face, the benefits of therapeutic Botox typically begin to take effect in 5 to 10 days. Supplementary or interval cranial nerve blocks and SPG blocks for migraine headaches can provide relief within minutes or hours.
How long does Therapeutic Botox last?
Therapeutic Botox treatments typically provide a very good effect for over 3 months. For conditions such as bruxism and hyperhidrosis, satisfactory improvement usually lasts 6 months.
Are there any side effects?
To minimize discomfort associated with Botox injections Dr. Krushel uses a variety of techniques, including the applications of topical anesthetic agents to the skin. This is particularly important for intradermal hyperhidrosis injections. While bruising and redness can occur, major side effects are uncommon. We do not administer Botox to pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those who soon intend to become pregnant.
Things To Know Before Your Therapeutic Botox Treatment
What to expect before treatment?
For chronic migraine sufferers, Dr. Krushel is pleased to see patients who have been referred to him or otherwise have been advised to have Botox injections by their family doctor or neurologist. He or his staff will typically meet or communicate with prospective patients about services for Bruxism and hyperhidrosis so as to best determine it such treatments are likely to be effective. His staff will also help ensure that the cost of the medication costs and the injections fees can be managed in the most cost-effective way.
As the Botox medication alone for these services can cost between $400 to $1,200, Dr Krushel is pleased to advise as to whether an individual is likely to qualify for prescription medication coverage. For patients that qualify, the governments of Alberta and the Northwest Territories typically pay the Botox injection fee for migraine headaches, while British Columbia does not.
For bruxism and hyperhidrosis, and for those that do not qualify for provincially funded therapeutic Botox migraine injections, Dr Krushel charges a modest injection fee. (In the NWT, Dr Krushel performs all migraine injections in partnership with Health Authority, and he does not charge an injections fee).
Pre Treament Instructions
For Botox migraine appointments, please consult with your family doctor or neurologist to assess whether Botox is appropriate for you. Before scheduling an appointment for injection of Therapeutic Botox please ensure that you have discussed with Dr Krushel and/or his assistant as to whether you will be bringing your own medication to the appointment, or whether you will require a prescription and/or insurance forms to be completed. (In the NWT, all Botox migraine injections should be scheduled by the Health Authority and will be performed at a Health Authority facility).
Post Treament Instructions
After an injection with therapeutic Botox, we advise patients to not to lie on their face and avoid deep rubbing or massaging of the treated areas.
Dr. Krushel recommends avoiding strenuous physical activity, hot tubs, saunas, facials, alcohol, and aspirin for at least several hours.
Before & After Treatment
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Locations For Therapeutic Botox Treatment
Therapeutic Botox treatments are offered at the following locations.
Please contact each clinic directly for availability and booking.
Glow Medical Aesthetics
Lethbridge, AB
Lime Beauty
Lethbridge, AB
Chakras Spa & Salon
Blairmore, AB
Spa 901
Fernie, BC
