Dr. Lauren Greenberg reviews a recent study on identifying migraine trigger sites and explains how accurate detection can make BOTOX® injections more effective.
Palo Alto, CA — According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines may affect as many as 38 million Americans. This neurological condition can be incredibly debilitating, but effective treatment can help patients lead relatively normal lives. Dr. Lauren Greenberg, a plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, says a recent study suggests a majority of migraines stem from four main trigger sites. Identifying the headache source, she notes, may allow physicians to provide targeted treatment with non-surgical therapies such as BOTOX® injections.
Published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a study called “The Current Means for Detection of Migraine Headache Trigger Sites” reveals four primary origins for migraine pain. Dr. Greenberg says they are found at the inner edge of the eyebrow; near the outer edge of the eyebrow and temple area; where the cheek, nose bridge, and lower eye rim meet; and at the back of the head where the skull meets the neck. When the nerves in these areas are irritated or compressed, Dr. Greenberg says a migraine can form.
BOTOX® is a non-surgical injectable that is designed to halt excess muscle movement in the treated area. For many migraine sufferers, Dr. Greenberg says the cause may be muscle contractions that irritate or constrict the nerves. If BOTOX® injections can be precisely administered to the muscles inducing this condition, she says symptoms potentially could be alleviated without the need for surgical intervention.
Dr. Greenberg emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying a patient’s trigger sites, as imprecise treatment could prove ineffective. Additionally, she says not all migraines will be caused by muscle contractions. She explains that proper diagnosis will require reviewing the person’s clinical history and analyzing the source of the pain—something she says many individuals can reveal by pointing to the area where they feel discomfort begin. Dr. Greenberg notes that nerve blocks also can prove useful in pinpointing the headache’s origin.
Maximizing the efficacy of non-surgical migraine treatment, including BOTOX® injections, can help millions of people, Dr. Greenberg states. To do that, she says physicians who treat this condition should learn how to identify the major trigger sites. She encourages patients with severe headaches to seek out high quality, experienced medical professionals to help them address this common concern.
About Lauren Greenberg, MD
Dr. Greenberg is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She earned her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and her medical degree from Northwestern University. Dr. Greenberg completed additional medical training at Stanford University, and she completed a Fellowship in Breast and Cosmetic Surgery in Nashville, TN. An active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), she is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Patients’ Choice Award five times. Dr. Greenberg is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Dr. Greenberg and her practice, please visit laurengreenbergmd.com and facebook.com/laurengreenbergmd.
Contact:
Lauren Greenberg, MD
750 Welch Rd., Ste. 117
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 617-9907
Rosemont Media
www.rosemontmedia.com
(858) 200-0044