Botulinum toxin A for chronic migraine

For the treatment of

Chronic Migraine

Commissioning position

Trial of this intervention is commissioned and does not require prior approval if:

  • chronic migraine has been diagnosed by a neurologist AND
  • not responded to at least three pharmacological prophylaxis therapies AND
  • the person has been appropriately managed if there is concomitant medication overuse

 

Continuation of treatment is commissioned and does not require prior approval if:

  • there is at least a 30% reduction in headache days per month after two treatment cycles OR
  • there has not been a change to episodic migraine (fewer then 15 headache days per month) for three consecutive months

Summary of rationale

It is good practice to address medication overuse prior to commencing Botulinum toxin treatment. Patients should restrict their acute headache medication to no more than two days a week on a regular basis.

 

A good response to treatment is typically considered to be a 30–50% reduction in the frequency of headache days or headache episodes.

 

Botulinum toxin is not known to be effective in episodic migraine (< 15 days a month).

Associated Pathways

There are no associated pathways.

Places covered by

  • East Riding
  • Hull
  • North East Lincolnshire
  • North Lincolnshire
  • North Yorkshire
  • Vale of York
Author:
Date created: 12/06/2025, 15:03
Last modified: 12/06/2025, 15:03
Date of review: 31/01/2028