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Headache Impact Test

Botox and Quality of Life: Does it really help?

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Of course there is no treatment that helps everyone, but another study (published in Neurology) has shown that Botox treatment for migraine does help some – and help them in real ways.

You see, some treatments and medications can really cut down on the number of migraine attacks someone has, and yet not really be worth it – because of the side effects.  So this study set out to check on patients’ "health-related quality of life".  Overall, is their health really better?

1,384 patients were involved in the analysis using a migraine related quality of life questionnaire and the Headache Impact Test (HIT).  Compared to a placebo, the quality of life of migraine patients was significantly improved while taking Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).

Now, this study was funded by the makers of Botox, which is not unusual, but important to note.  The company has certainly had its ups and downs when it comes to this migraine treatment.

However, this does support other studies and the testimonials of specialists who are treating patients.  And the study was carefully done by well known experts in the field.  Botox certainly seems to be a real help to some, and yet there are still important questions about who will benefit most from treatment and how treatment should be done.  And in spite of the evidence, many insurance companies are still reluctant to cover a treatment which tends to be expensive.

Hopefully studies like this will provide them with the evidence they’re looking for.

The study can be found here: OnabotulinumtoxinA improves quality of life and reduces impact of chronic migraine
via: Botox improves quality of life

Take the headache test

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Headache Impact Test

Sometimes it’s good just to sit down and think through exactly what impact headaches are having on your life.  If you just go on from day to day, you sometimes come to forget or ignore what’s really going on, and what can be done about it.

One tool that can be useful is the Headache Impact Test (HIT).  HIT was developed by QualityMetric Incorporated, a company that specializes in developing medical testing tools.  The short test not only helps you think through your symptoms and treatment, but also gives you a starting point for talking to your doctor.  In fact, the test is actively used by many medical clinics.

The quiz can be done online, and will probably take you less than 5 minutes.  You need to do a quick easy and free registration, so that you can keep track of your results over time.  I just tried it myself.  At first I found the test a little too subjective (although it was probably designed that way on purpose).  But when I opted to answer the extra 10 questions it seemed to even out a bit.

So why not take it right now?  Just click the link below:
Headache Impact Test

By the way, if you haven’t seen a doctor recently about your headaches, or if you’ve never seen a doctor, all the more reason to do the quiz now and then take the results to a doctor in your area.  Just do it!

By the way, in case you’re curious, according to the tests headaches have a severe impact on my life.  But as we always say around here, it’s time to fight back…

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The articles on Headache and Migraine News are © 2004-2026 J. Cottrill.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of each article, and to point you to further sources of information. However, this site is for informational purposes only and should never replace a visit to your doctor.