Is Botox safe in regards to its ability to cross the blood brain barrier?

Question

I am a lifelong frowner and now nearing my 30s I feel I would benefit from Botox, not only aesthetically but also to reduce the tension I carry between my brows. However, I am somewhat alarmed to hear that the toxin crosses the blood brain barrier. I have read online accounts of women suffering brain fog post treatments. Do we really know the effect that the toxin is having on the CNS?

Mark Kearns, MBChB, BSc, FRACGP · Answer

Hey there - thanks for the question! Botox has been used since the 70's in medicine. As far as I'm aware there are no proven detrimental CNS effects from botox though some people will get headaches immediately after botox as it begins to work - but this is usually only very temporary.
Hope that helps

Amy Klein, DO · Answer

Generally, the Botox in injected into the muscle and the effects stay locally.  If it is injected into an artery or vein, it could get into the blood stream.  I am not aware of any post-treatment CNS problems.  However, I advise you to only get injections from a trained medical provider to assure injections are being placed correctly.

Paul Fondacaro, MD · Answer

There has been no evidence to date that the amount of cosmetic botox normally used can cross the BBB. This, however had been reported in the past when botox was used in large quantities in patients with cerebral palsy.

Lamia Wassef, MD · Answer

thank you for your question. Botox is safe neurotoxin that will relax the muscle. It has been approved by Healy Canada and FDA. 
Good luck
Dr Lamia Wassef

Is Botox safe in regards to its ability to cross the blood brain barrier?

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Is Botox safe in regards to its ability to cross the blood brain barrier?

Answers (6)

Answer: Is Botox safe?

Answer: Is Botox safe?

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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