A drugs company has launched a bid to obtain routine Botox funding for chronic migraine sufferers in Scotland.

Tens of thousands of Scots experience chronic migraines but funding for preventative Botox treatment is currently not available on the NHS north of the border, despite being funded in England and Wales.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium will reconsider whether Botox should be funded for Scots who regularly suffer migraines but can't afford private treatment.

The submission has been made by pharmaceutical firm Allergan Ltd.

The consortium previously rejected two submissions in 2011 and again in 2013.

Chronic migraine is defined as over 15 headache days each month over a three-month period, of which more than eight are migrainous.

Botox became available on the NHS as a treatment for migraine after a 2012 recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence but has never been approved for funding in Scotland.

Chronic migraine sufferer Elaine Bell, from Larbert, Falkirk, says Botox has transformed her life.

She said: "After decades of missed education, work, family events, social functions and holidays, I am finding my overall quality of life has significantly improved."

Greater Glasgow Health Board rejected her funding application, despite support from her consultant and GP.

Elaine had to rely on private insurance to cover the cost for two Botox treatments. But the insurance allows just two, since Botox is not a cure.

She added: "I think the cost to me would be in the region of £800 for one treatment. It's false economy in my opinion.

"The cost of my regular migraine prescriptions in a 12-month period far exceeds the cost of one Botox treatment, and that's only from a finance perspective, never mind a health and well-being perspective."

A major international conference on migraine and headache disorders is being held at the SECC in Glasgow this week, the first time it's been held outside London.