How to Mitigate the Risks of Non-cosmetic Use of Botox?

I'm considering Botox for neck muscle spasms. My neurologist is a leading authority on the non-cosmetic use of Botox. I'm apprehensive, though, because I know Botox has very serious risks associated with non-cosmetic use. I also have a few allergies and I'm afraid I may be allergic to Botox. Can an allergy test be performed beforehand? Are there any other ways to mitigate risk? Can I start with a very low dose and work up to a therapeutic level? Thank you so much for your suggestions.

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muscle spasms risk

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by PLM11 in Atlanta, GA

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Botox for neck spasms is ideal

Botox used therapeutically for neck spasms is very successful and an experienced neurologist should do it because he/she can get it approved through insurance as it would be quite expensive otherwise. As well, your concerns about allergic reactions to this product is unfounded and extremely rare.

How to Mitigate the Risks of Non-cosmetic Use of Botox?

The high dose required for some non-aesthetic Botox treatments is most likely the cause of the reported complications. An experineced neurologist should be able to use a test dose as a limited treatment however, having an allergic reaction to Botox is quite rare IMHO.

Non cosmetic use for Botox

Botox was first used for muscle spasms before it was approved for a cosmetic use. A neurologist would be the correct physician to consult when using Botox for neck muscle spasm.

Risks of non-cosmetic use of Botox

Although I think your Neurologist would be better suited to answer questions about the manner and dosing in which Botox will be used, the risk of allergy from Botox is incredibly small. In fact, I have never seen it in 12 years of practice and 7 years of training. Botox, as long as it is used in therapeutic doses, is a wonderful treatment for functional and cosmetic purposes.

Botox and risks

Your questions are appropriate for your neurologist and/or another for a second opinion.

Sam Naficy, MD

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Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Mitigating risks of Botox

First, you are doing something right by going to an expert, and of course a physician. Many risks with anything can be mitigated by going to properly trained and experienced doctors. Second, Botox was originally intended for non-cosmetic purposes and studies on it for non-cosmetic purposes are well-documented and have been since the 1980s, or even earlier. The cosmetic purposes are obviously much more discussed, but Botox is absolutely a wonderful procedure for many "non-cosmetic purposes".... more