TREATMENTS
Botox® for Chronic Migraines
Reduce the Frequency of Chronic Migraines
Scrubs Health is now offering a physician-led Botox treatment program for adults with an established chronic migraine diagnosis. The program is designed to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible, from referral and coverage confirmation through treatment and ongoing follow-up. There is no separate charge for the injection service, and Botox medication may be covered through your private prescription drug plan, depending on your individual benefits.
To get started, you will need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner confirming your chronic migraine diagnosis. Once your referral is received, the Scrubs Health team will review it, confirm your eligibility, and verify prescription drug coverage before your first treatment appointment is booked.
Submit your referral and diagnosis status
Eligibility will be confirmed before treatment is scheduled
Assessment and injection by our leading physician
A personal treatment plan will be established and scheduled
Injection appointments are covered under Alberta Health Services
Cost of Botox varies by dosage and your drug plan
* Please note, this is not a mobile service. Medications are billed separately. Our team will work with you to determine your drug coverage based on your benefits plan.
Take Control of Chronic Migraines
Living with frequent migraines can affect much more than your mind. Migraine attacks can interfere with work, household responsibilities, relationships, and everyday activities.
Scrubs Health offers a Botox treatment service for adults with an established chronic migraine diagnosis, designed to make preventive treatment more convenient.
How Does Botox Treatment for Chronic Migraines Work?
Botox for chronic migraines works by interrupting pain signals involved in migraines. It is injected into specific areas of the head and neck where sensory nerves are involved in transmitting pain.
Treatment follows a standardized injection pattern. The standard protocol uses 155 units across 31 injection sites in seven muscle groups, including the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck and shoulders.
The injections are placed in small amounts across multiple sites rather than concentrated in one area. Depending on your pain pattern and the physician’s clinical judgment, additional injections may be used, up to 195 units across 39 sites.
Botox is a preventive treatment, so the effect is not immediate. Some patients may notice improvement after the first treatment cycle, but it can take two to three treatment cycles to understand the full benefit. Treatments are generally scheduled every 12 weeks.
The goal is to reduce the frequency and impact of chronic migraines over time. Individual response varies, and breakthrough migraines can still occur during treatment.
A structured process
The Scrubs Health team will review your referral and your coverage and schedule an appointment time that’s most convenient for you.
Please note, this is not a mobile service. Our medical Botox clinic is conveniently located in the Holy Cross Centre in Mission at 2204 2 St SW M100, Calgary, AB.
Step 1:
Referral
Your family doctor or nurse practitioner provides a referral for treatment, confirming your chronic migraine diagnosis. The referral includes relevant information about your migraine history, medications and previous treatments.
Step 2:
Review
A Scrubs Health clinician reviews your referral to determine whether you are eligible for the Botox treatment program.
Step 3:
Schedule Appointment
Once your referral is confirmed, we will review your drug coverage and reach out to schedule your treatment.
Step 4:
Treatment
This is not a mobile service. You will visit our clinic on your appointment day, and our physician will assess the dosage required and perform the Botox injection treatment.
Step 5:
Schedule Follow-ups
You will be able to book follow-up appointments with your clinician as needed.
Who Qualifies for Treatment?
Scrubs Chronic Migraine Botox service is intended for adults with an established diagnosis of chronic migraine.
Chronic migraine disorder is generally defined by:
Headaches on 15 or more days each month for more than three months
Migraine features on at least 8 of those days, such as moderate to severe pain, throbbing, inability to perform routine activities, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, etc.)
Your physician will establish the diagnosis before providing a referral.
If you're unsure whether your headaches meet the criteria, speak with your primary care provider about an assessment.
What's Included:
Physician assessment and review of your case
Prescription coverage coordination
An in-person injection appointment with our leading physician
Future appointments may be booked at 12-week intervals
Frequently asked questions
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A migraine is more than a severe headache. It can cause neurological symptoms, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, and may significantly disrupt daily activities.
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Migraines affect about 12% to 15% of people worldwide. Chronic migraine is less common, affecting approximately 1% to 2.2% of the population.
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Chronic migraine generally involves headaches on at least 15 days each month for more than three months. At least eight of those days must have migraine features.
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The Scrubs Health Chronic Migraine Program is for adults with an established chronic migraine diagnosis. Patients also need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
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No. Your chronic migraine diagnosis must be established before you enter the treatment program.
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Start by discussing your headache frequency and symptoms with your family doctor or nurse practitioner. If you meet the criteria, they can establish a diagnosis and provide a referral.
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Yes. You need a referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner confirming an established chronic migraine diagnosis. Download the referral form.
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The administering physician reviews your referral first. Once accepted, the clinic confirms prescription drug coverage, orders your medication and books your initial appointment.
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Yes. The program uses Botox, which is approved for the prevention of chronic migraine in adults. Treatment is administered by a physician.
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The physician service is billed through Alberta Health at no direct cost to you. Botox is billed through your private prescription drug plan and may include a copay.
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Ongoing treatment appointments are generally scheduled every 12 weeks. Your headache patterns and MIDAS scores are also reviewed during follow-up care.
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No. Mobile treatment is not available for this service. Appointments take place at 2204 2 St SW, M100, Calgary, AB T2S 3C2.
Ready to explore Botox treatment for chronic migraine?
If you have an established chronic migraine diagnosis, Scrubs Health can help you navigate the referral, coverage, and treatment process.