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Q: What is botulinum toxin?
A: Botulinum toxin is a protein. It can stop some of the chemical messages
that are sent from the nerves. These messages tell the muscles to
contract in spasms (to tighten up). Botulinum toxin is used to stop
muscle spasms because it blocks these messages. Botox ® and Myobloc® are
two different brands of botulinum toxin. Both brands of botulinum
toxin work in the same manner and all of the information provided
here will apply to both of them.
A: Botulinum toxin is made by the same bacterium that causes food poisoning. A high dose of botulinum toxin could be fatal, just as food poisoning can be fatal. However, the dose given in injections is so small that it's unlikely you'll have any harmful effects from the toxin. Botulinum toxin has been used safely in thousands of people for more than 10 years.
A: Botulinum toxin is mixed with saline (salt water) and injected into the muscle with a tiny needle. You may receive 5 to 10 injections.
A: Some people report minor, temporary discomfort from the injection. You might have some soreness at the injection site(s). If your injection site(s) get sore, you can take acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin). You can also put an ice pack on the painful area.
A: Because botulinum toxin works as a local paralytic, it has the potential risk of "working too well" in an area and thus causing excessive weakness in muscles after injection. Depending on which body site is affected, this may cause some impairment of normal functions. This is probably the most worrisome of possible side effects. Usually, however, dosages are started low range to avoid this complication. It should also be noted that if weakness should occur, it is transient, lasting anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Some patients experience muscle pain or aching approximately 10-14 days after the injection. This is not known to be dangerous and may be relieved by taking anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Occasionally patients may experience dry eyes or dry mouth during the treatment period. This is more common when getting facial injections.
Finally, as with any medication that is taken or given by any route, there is the risk, no matter how small, of allergic reaction. This may range from mild respiratory congestion to severe with risk of death.
A: This will depend on the policies in place at your insurance company. Most insurance companies require that pre-certification be obtained before a patient is treated with botulinum toxin injections. If your doctor feels that you are an appropriate candidate, our office will work with your insurance company to obtain the necessary pre-certifications before botulinum toxin injections are administered. If your primary insurance company is Medicare or Medicaid, pre-certification is not necessary.
A: Yes, after receiving the botulinum toxin injections you should not have difficulty driving. However, if this is of great concern you may want to consider having a family member or friend accompany you to the clinic for your initial treatment so that you will not need to drive yourself home after receiving the injection.
All of the information above is provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians and Dr. Karen Thomas.
The Movement Disorders Division
371 McCampbell Hall
1581 Dodd Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 688-4048
371 McCampbell Hall
1581 Dodd Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 688-4048