Approximately two and a half years ago, in October 2010,  the FDA gave approval for the use of Botox (Botulinum Toxin A) for the treatment of chronic migraine. This approval was granted on the basis of results from two clinical trials. 

A recent review of the literature (2012) published by The Journal of the American Medical Association examined the efficacy of Botox in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine. Initially, Jackson, Kuriyama and Hayashino, the researchers conducting the review,  discovered 315 articles in the area.  Applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the researchers then narrowed the review down to 27 randomised controlled trials on migraine comparing the use of Botox with a placebo and 4 studies comparing the use of Botox with other medications. These medications included Topiramate, Valproate, Prednisone and Amitriptline.

The review found that Botox is modestly effective in the treating chronic migraine (≥15 headache days per month) but ineffective in treating episodic migraine  (<15 headache days per month). Those with chronic migraine had approximately two fewer headaches each month when using Botox. In real terms the number of days patients suffered with migraines when given Botox decreased from 19 days to 17 days.  

In their study the researchers also note that there is a greater frequency of paresthesias (numbness or tingling), neck pain and muscle weakness among those using Botox compared with placebo users.

Based on this review of 31 studies it would appear that if you suffer with fewer than 15 migraine days a month you will not benefit from using Botox. If you suffer with chronic migraine and experience migraine on more than 15 days a month then you are likely to have just two extra migraine free days each month and no more when using Botox.

Balancing this with the known potential side effects of Botox such as bleeding, bruising, neck pain and inflammation, Botox may well offer a poor return on investment for those with migraine. 

Magnesium and Migraine.

Magnesium is a mineral and it is required for healthy bones and teeth as well as a host of other functions in the body.  It is particularly important for individuals who suffer with migraine, perhaps because of the fact that it is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Magnesium deficiency can result because of one or more of three factors:

1.    We fail to take sufficient magnesium in our daily diet.

2.    There is insufficient absorption of magnesium because of an existing problem for example cholestasis (bile is not able to flow from the liver because it is blocked or it is only flowing very slowly from the liver.

3.    Excessive excretion of magnesium which can be caused by another existing problem such as diabetes 

There are some indicators of magnesium deficiency such as muscle cramps, muscle twitches and depression to name but a few and excessive magnesium intake is rare but some of the signs which would indicate an excess include slurred speech and double vision. Of course these signs and symptoms are indicative of many disorders so it is imperative to consult your GP or neurologist.  

A recent study in 2012 with 133 migraineurs found that magnesium supplementation of 500mg a day helped reduce the number of days lost to migraine each month and the number of migraine attacks per month. The results also demonstrated a reduction in migraine severity. Nonetheless, the researchers caution that a larger sample size is required to confirm their findings.  

Seafood, green leafy vegetables and cereal are good sources of magnesium

I have just added another page to the website with an article on migraine which I wrote for The Waiting Room magazine in December.  It is a great magazine that can be found in most GPs surgeries. www.waitingroom.ie is their website for anyone who would like to check them out.  Keep checking back with us regularly for more articles on migraine and/or hypnosis.  The hypnosis articles are in two places on this website - one underneath the tab that says migraine and hypnosis articles and the other place is under FAQs - hypnosis ... Not sure if that is helpful or confusing but it should make them easy to find anyway. 

There have been a few inquiries about the title of the book and admittedly, at first glance, AntiMigraine may seem like a more obvious title. 

There were two thoughts behind the title.  The first idea was the concept of taking a proactive approach to solving ones migraines. The approach will vary from person to person and the book provides food for thought and different options that you can adapt to fit in with your own lifestyle. 


The second reason it was called ProMigraine rather than AntiMigraine is semantics.  I use hypnosis frequently with the athletes I work with and language is incredibly important in terms of its impact on performance. In fact, words have a far more powerful effect on us than we realize - both in the beta or waking state and in the hypnotic state. Thanks to MRI imaging and PET scans etc. we can now see some of the changes that happen in the brain when we hear a phrase or sentence. In the world of hypnosis, positive language and words are used more frequently hence the word ProMigraine rather than AntiMigraine.  


A friend of mine who read the book made a comment which pretty much described where I was coming from. He said it made him think about getting up and doing something positive in search of a better result rather than having to fight something negative.  Each person will have their own interpretation but I hope that goes some way to answering the inquiries. 

Welcome to ProMigraine. I am here to help so if you have any questions about migraines please email me and I will do my best to answer your questions.