FAQ   How does Botox work? Are there any side-effects? Botox inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle, which can temporarily no longer be tensed as a result. Two to three days pass between the injection and the start of the effect. The injection can lead to a short-term stinging at the point of the injection. About 2% of the patients can also suffer a short-term weakening of the eyelid muscles or small accumulations of blood in the form of bruises. Can Botox be used if I am taking other migraine agents? The quantity of Botox used is so slight that the effect can only occur purposefully in a small area at the point of injection. The active ingredient Botulinum toxin is systemically undetectable in the body and there are no reports or indications of intolerabilities with other medications. Can I drive home alone / go home by bus alone after the Botox injection at the preliminary examination? The patients do not "feel" the Botox at any time, systemic side-effects such as nausea or dizziness are not possible with the quantity used. The injection does not result in any limitations. How long does the Botox work for? The average period of effect is two to four months. Towards the end of this period, the patient can again gradually form the anger wrinkles. How often can the Botox be applied? There is currently no detailed knowledge about possible side-effects of years of application of Botox. As no side-effects have yet been seen in cases of repeated application, a long-term detrimental effect is however improbable. How does one find out whether the treatment is suitable for one's own migraine? After the evaluation of the data on the questionnaire, a decision whether a Botox treatment is suitable is made. The effect of the muscle relaxation caused by the Botox is documented in a migraine diary for eight weeks. The changes in the migraine symptoms must be unambiguous in this period, i.e. they must result in an improvement of no less than 50% with regard to the frequency and the intensity. If this is the case, the option of an operation is discussed in a further consultation after this period of time. What happens if the Botox test does not bring about the required improvement? In such a case, we recommend not having the operation. The neurologist in our team will be pleased to advise you about alternatives and possible changes of your therapy up to then if you so wish. Are there reasons against a Botox text in any case? An existing pregnancy or the suspicion of one as well as active acne in the face are contraindications. Which anaesthesia is necessary in the operation? The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. The preliminary examinations necessary for this have been contained in the costs of the operation. How long must I stay in hospital after the operation? The operation is done ambulantly, i.e. you can leave the hospital in the early evening. If you have a long journey, an overnight stay in the hospital is advisable and can be arranged without problems if so required. When are the stitches removed? The stitches are not visible in the area of the eyelids. The ends of the threads are fixed in the inner and outer corners of the eyes with the help of small strips of plaster. These strips are removed after five days and the stitches removed without any pain. Do I look any different after the operation? No. The only change visible for the patient is that the anger wrinkles between the eyebrows can no longer be formed. Whereas these wrinkles were very distinct before the operation, they will disappear or be distinctly less visible after the operation. Can you see a scar? The cut is done in the so-called eyelid fold and will only be visible in the first few weeks after the operation. How long do the eyes remain swollen after the operation? The eyelids are cooled with sterile ice water during the operation in order to prevent the swelling. The swelling will be visible for about ten to twelve days. Can you drive home alone after the operation? Due to the general anaesthetic, you should not drive a car yourself under any circumstances. A person as accompaniment and support is doubtless recommendable and helpful. How long can I not work or do sport after the operation? Patients should not work for two weeks and not do any physically strenuous kinds of sports for six weeks. How long am I off on sick leave? Patients are put on sick leave for two weeks after the operation. How long does the treatment take all told? After the evaluation of the data on the questionnaire, there is a decision whether the Botox treatment is sensible. The effect of relaxation of the muscles in question stimulated by the Botox is documented in a migraine diary for eight weeks. The changes in the migraine symptoms must be unambiguous in this period, i.e. they must result in an improvement of no less than 50% with regard to the frequency and the intensity. If this is the case, the option of an operation is discussed in a further consultation after this period of time. After the operation, two weeks of recovery is advisable. Top Print            Imprint & Contact FIRST STEP