Carrasco Pain Institute
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Types of Headaches 
Ninety percent of all headaches are vascular, muscle contraction, or a combination. Migraine headaches usually occur in childhood or adolescence and recur throughout adulthood. They are more common in females and have a strong genetic factor. Most chronic headaches result from tension or muscle spasms that may be caused by emotional stress, fatigue, menstruation, or stimuli such as noise, crowds and bright lights.
Migraine headaches usually present on one side, with a pulsating pain that becomes generalized. The headache is usually preceded by seeing spots, blindness of half of one’s vision, numbness, or speech disorders. Irritability, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity may be noted by the patient.
Muscle tension headaches are dull, aching and have tender spots on the head and neck with a feeling of tightness. The patient may also complain of a feeling of a “hatband” around the head.
Treatment of Migraine and Muscle Tension Headaches
When more conservative treatment such as relaxation techniques, massage, medications, diet changes, and elimination of causative factors are exhausted; headaches may be treated with the use of Botulinum Toxin, or Botox injections. These injections may be performed in and office setting or at an ambulatory surgical care facility. The use of Botox has made a difference in the lives of many people suffering with headaches.
Botox Injections
Botox is injected at the site of a trigger point or muscle spasm and temporary blocks the muscle from contracting. The initial effects of the Botox may be delayed two or four weeks, but usually lasts three or more months in duration. Some patients require repeat injections, but the pain is usually not as severe or as often as it was in the past. Many patients are able to decrease or eliminate the need for pain medication. If necessary, Botox injections may be repeated approximately every three months. Many patients return to their normal activity as soon as the day after their injections.