Bakersfield, CA • Neurology
Neurology & Migraine Treatment in Bakersfield
California Neurology Institute provides evidence‑based treatment for migraines and headaches—personalized to your symptoms, triggers, and goals.
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Botox for Chronic Migraines in Bakersfield
For adults with chronic migraine (15 or more headache days per month), a series of precise onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®) injections can reduce headache burden and improve quality of life.
headache days
Clinical studies show fewer monthly migraine and headache days for many patients after treatment cycles.
clear days
More “crystal‑clear,” pain‑free days and fewer days missed from work or school.
70% improve
In some reports, ~70% of patients see ≥50% reduction in monthly headache days after multiple rounds.
How it Works
Botox blocks the release of certain neurotransmitters that carry pain signals.
Think of it as a temporary “roadblock” along nerve pathways around the head and neck.
What to Expect
- 30–40 tiny injections: mapped across both sides of the head/neck. More may be targeted to your most painful areas.
- Timeline: many feel benefit in ; results build with subsequent cycles.
- Visit length: typically under ; minimal downtime.
Who’s a Candidate?
- Chronic migraine: ≥15 headache days/month despite lifestyle changes or medications.
- Health status: Not pregnant or nursing; no active infection at injection sites.
- Safety considerations: No allergy to botulinum toxin ingredients; discuss neuromuscular conditions with your clinician.
Medical Uses Beyond Aesthetics
Botox® has been used for medical conditions since the 1970s. Common therapeutic indications include cervical dystonia, blepharospasm (eyelid spasm), severe underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis), strabismus (eye alignment), bruxism (teeth grinding), overactive bladder, and chronic migraine.
Services We Offer
- Botox® injections for chronic migraine
- Comprehensive neurology consultation
- Headache & migraine diagnosis (CT, MRI, EEG as indicated)
- Acute migraine treatment plans (OTC & prescription)
- Preventive migraine therapy (beta‑blockers, calcium channel blockers, tricyclics, anti‑seizure meds, CGRP antagonists)
- Neuromodulation / electronic medical devices
- Lifestyle counseling & trigger management
- Biofeedback
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & counseling
- Complementary options: acupuncture, vitamins/supplements (B‑2 riboflavin, magnesium), herbal supplements
- Ongoing follow‑up and care plan adjustments
Neurology Treatments
We offer comprehensive care for neurological disorders in Bakersfield. At your visit, we will review your specific concerns, perform a tailored neurologic exam, then provide you with a diagnosis and a plan of action. We also perform medical and legal evaluations.
Conditions We Treat
- Headaches & migraines (cluster, temporal arteritis, cervicogenic)
- Botox® for headaches
- Neuropathic pain
- Concussion / TBI
- Stroke / TIA
- Dementia & Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential tremor
- Huntington’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy / seizures
- Cerebellar disorders & ataxias
- Neuromuscular disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Stiff‑man syndrome
- Neuropathies: AIDP, CIDP
- Cervical & lumbar spondylosis / radiculopathy
- Tourette’s syndrome; Attention deficit disorder
Diagnostics & Procedures
- EEG
- EMG/NCV studies (EMGs, nerve conduction)
- Lumbar punctures
- Trigger point injections
- Baclofen pump refills
- Medical & legal evaluations
Now accepting new patients.
Who Gets Migraines and Why?
Migraines affect a substantial portion of the population and can emerge in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Family history is a key risk factor. Women are more commonly affected. Attacks often involve activation of nerve fibers in blood vessels within the brain, producing intense pain and associated symptoms that may last hours to days.
The Four Stages of a Migraine
1) Prodrome
Early warning phase 1–2 days before an attack. Common signs include constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased thirst/urination, and yawning.
3) Attack
Debilitating headache phase with throbbing/pulsing pain (often one‑sided), sensitivity to light/sound/smell, nausea or vomiting, and worsened pain with activity. Without treatment, it may last 4–72 hours.
2) Aura
About a third of people experience transient visual or sensory symptoms (e.g., bright spots, zig‑zags, blind spots, tingling, numbness, difficulty speaking) lasting 20–60 minutes.
4) Post‑drome
Recovery “migraine hangover” with fatigue, fogginess, and sensitivity to sudden movement. Some feel brief euphoria. Typically resolves within 24 hours.
Migraine Attacks:
What They Feel Like
- Throbbing or pulsing pain on one or both sides of the head
- Extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
- Pain worsens with routine activity
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or heartburn
- Lightheadedness, blurred vision, loss of appetite, or fainting
Common & Less Common Headache Types
Common
- Tension Headaches
- Migraine Headaches
- Cluster Headaches
- Chronic Daily Headaches
- Sinus Headaches
- Post‑traumatic Headaches
Less Common
- Exercise Headaches
- Hemicrania Continua
- Hormone Headaches
- New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)
- Rebound (Medication‑overuse) Headaches
Rare/Serious
- Ice Pick Headaches
- Spinal (CSF Leak) Headaches
- Thunderclap Headaches
- Temporal Arteritis (GCA)
- Cervicogenic Headache
Diagnosis
Finding the Right Plan
Accurate diagnosis drives effective treatment. During your visit we’ll review history and symptoms, perform a focused neurological exam, and—when indicated—order tests such as CT, MRI, or EEG.
Treatment Options
Acute (Stop an Attack)
- Over‑the‑counter meds: aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen; combinations like Excedrin®
- Prescription options: triptans, gepants, ditans, anti‑nausea meds
- Neuromodulation devices
Preventive (Fewer Attacks)
- Botox® for chronic migraine
- Beta‑blockers (e.g., propranolol, timolol)
- Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
- Anti‑seizure meds (e.g., valproate—moderate doses)
- Anti‑inflammatories (e.g., naproxen)
- CGRP antagonists (preventives)
Preventive Medications: When to Consider
If you experience ≥6 migraines per month—or ≥3 that significantly disrupt daily life—your neurologist may recommend preventive therapy. We’ll balance benefits and potential side effects based on your medical history.
Lifestyle & Complementary Therapies
- Regular sleep, hydration, and balanced meals
- Exercise and stress‑reduction practices
- Trigger management (e.g., certain foods, alcohol, smoking)
- Acupuncture
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Biofeedback
- Counseling & stress‑management programs
- Supplements (discuss with your clinician): riboflavin (B‑2), magnesium, select herbal options
What Causes Headaches?
Headache pain arises when nerves in blood vessels and head/neck muscles send pain signals to the brain. Triggers and causes vary: illnesses (including sinus disease), head injuries, serious medical conditions, stress, environmental exposures, and genetics. A targeted evaluation helps identify your pattern and plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Botox help chronic migraine?
For many adults with chronic migraine, Botox can reduce the number of monthly headache days and increase pain‑free days. It’s delivered in small doses to mapped sites across the head and neck.
How many injections will I get and when will I feel better?
Most plans use 30–40 tiny injections split across both sides; more can be targeted to painful areas. Many patients start to feel benefits within 2–3 weeks, with continued gains over later cycles.
Is Botox only for cosmetic use?
No. It’s been used therapeutically for decades for conditions like cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, hyperhidrosis, strabismus, bruxism, overactive bladder, and chronic migraine.
Is it safe? Are there side effects?
Side effects are typically mild and temporary (injection‑site pain, neck soreness). Rarely, eyelid droop or generalized weakness can occur. Your neurologist will review safety based on your medical history.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
Coverage depends on your plan and medical criteria. After evaluation, we can help with documentation and prior authorization if appropriate.
Get Help from a Migraine Specialist in Bakersfield
If migraines or headaches are disrupting your life, our neurology team is here to help. The sooner we diagnose and begin treatment, the sooner you can feel better.
Insurance Information
Our accepted insurance providers are listed below as part of our effort to make neurology patient information easily accessible to all patients.
