What Is A Botulinum Injection?
Botulinum injections entail administering onaboutlinumtoxin A, also known as the botulinum toxin, to specific muscles. A microorganism produces the toxin that is used for the injections and this toxin has been known to cause a certain type of food poisoning called botulism. Botulism may cause serious health problems, including paralysis, but injections containing small amounts of the botulinum toxin that are administered to targeted regions only cause temporary muscle relaxation, not paralysis. Because of this, it can be used to treat certain pain conditions.Although Botulinum is the first marketed prescription drug that contained the botulinum toxin, several newer drugs have been produced which contain this toxin. These drugs include Myobloc, Xeomin, and Dysport. They are used for similar purposes as Botulinum, but have different potencies and therefore, cannot be injected interchangeably.
How Is A Botulinum Injection Performed?
In preparation for the Botulinum injection, the targeted region is cleaned. In addition, topical anesthesia can be applied to the surface of the skin, but the medication is injected with a thin needle so this usually is not necessary. During the procedure, at least two areas within the targeted region are injected with the botulinum toxin.
More injections may be administered if larger areas are being treated. It typically only takes a few minutes to receive Botulinum injections. It is recommended that aspirin as well as anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen be discontinued two weeks prior to receiving an injection.
The botulinum toxin prevents signal transmission from nerves that regulate muscle movement and this causes the temporary relaxation of the targeted muscles. In some cases, results become evident almost immediately following the injections, while in other cases, it may take between three and ten days for the medication to take effect. Patients have reported effects that last for up to three to six months, in some cases. However, individuals who are suffering from chronic conditions (e.g., persistent headaches) often receive Botulinum injections every two to three months. Chronic conditions usually require that several doses of the botulinum toxin be administered to different areas before the effects are felt.
Possible side effects that may be experienced after the injection include:
- Burning sensations
- Swelling
- Bleeding and bruising at the injection site
- Tingling in the arms or legs
- A flu-like illness
- Blurred vision
If the Botulinum injections are for headaches or migraines, ptosis (droopy eyelids) may develop after the injection. Improper placement of the needle may cause the medication to be delivered to surrounding tissues. Unwanted side effects that may occur if this happens include excessive tearing, dry eyes, raised eyebrows, or a crooked smile. In addi