Can hitting a vessel cause a systemic reaction to Botox?

Question

I recently received 28 units to forehead and crows feet. I never had a reaction the other 3 times of injections. This time I left the facility with a hematoma by my eye. In 4 days I was very ill with extreme muscle fatigue and pain to arms, legs, back and neck. Trip to ER r/o viruses. Now seeing neurologist 3 weeks later. Symptoms slowly improving. He is testing for many neuromuscular diseases. R/O’ ed many.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question and I'm sorry you are not feeling well. I don't think your symptoms have to do with the Botox. I hope your doctor is able to determine the cause. Please get well.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Wow! I’m so sorry this has happened. It sounds rather bizarre and I have not heard of this happening to anyone before. I’m glad your receiving help. Good luck. Dr. Aldo

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Juls,Thanks for the question.  WOwo, sorry you are having a bad beginning of 2018.You can certainly get a bruise or rarely a hematoma from any injection including Botox.  While Botox can cause mild flu like symptoms in rare cases, what you are experiencing is definitely not normal nor I feel related to your Botox treatment.  The amount of Botox injected into each spot in the face is miscule and should not cause systemic issues.I hope that your neurologist is able to detect something or that your symptoms continue to improve and disappear.Best of luck.Dr T

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Bruising can occur with any injectable treatment. Occasionally, viral/flue like systemic symptoms may be seen after Botox/Dysport treatment for a short time. However, given the degree and longevity of the symptoms you describe, your symptoms are unlikely to be related to your treatment. I would continue to followup with your treating physician.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Systemic reactions are very rare but do occur with Botox and not related to the vessel issue. you are being evaluated by a neurologist which is the correct c ourse of action

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Bruising can happen with any injection.  Botox at such a low dose should not impact your overall health and your symptoms were probably unrelated to the injection.

Satyen Undavia, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and sorry to hear this happened. While some patients have a mild systemic reaction after botox it is usually is short lived. This also happens at higher doses of 60 units or so. I do not think this is related to your recent injection, but glad you are feeling better. Good luck!

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

So sorry to read of your story and thrilled to read you are improving.  By the numbers alone, it would surprise me if the injection did this to you as the toxic dose of botox is >2000 units... may be >2500 units.  The 28 units you received are unlikely to lead to any significant systemic reaction since they are almost 100x less than the toxic dose.

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Can hitting a vessel cause a systemic reaction to Botox?

Answers (8)

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