Will Botox Help Nerve Damage in Face from Shingles?

Question

I've had nerve damage and PAIN for three years from shingles in left side of face. Would Botox help the pain ?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Botulinum toxin has been used as a treatment of pain that can follow after an episode of herpes zoster.  However, this treatment cannot be considered a proven treatment of this condition.  Rather than experimenting with such a treatment, it is much more reasonable to see a neurologist regarding this issue and try the more established treatments first.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

There are reports of Botox being used to treat pain from Shingles in the chronic form. I'm not aware of the mechanism of action and it has been theorized that the Botox blocks more than just acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter used to conduct signals from nerves to muscles. This needs to be studied further.

Barry Resnik, MD · Answer

BOTOX can be a miracle treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that sometimes comes after shingles. It is injected in a "point and shoot" manner, and often brings relief for this very painful condition. Dilute cortisone injected in the same manner also works well.

Alexander Gross, MD · Answer

I have had excellent success injecting Botox to alleviate several different types of nerve pain including nerve pain from shingles ("post-herpetic neuralgia").

	A study in the December 2010 issue of Pain Medicine showed that the majority of patients receiving this treatment experienced a decrease in overall pain scores, improvement in sleeping, and a decreased need for pain medication.  The effects lasted for at least  3 months.

	If you chose to pursue this treatment, be sure to find a physician with lots of experience.  As I am aware that post herpetic neuralgia is a significantly debilitating problem, I wish you the best in finding a solution to eliminating your pain.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

IMHO, you should seek out a neorologist or pain specialist that is experienced using the various neorotoxins: (Botox, Dysport and Xeomin) and have a consultation.

Will Botox Help Nerve Damage in Face from Shingles?

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Will Botox Help Nerve Damage in Face from Shingles?

Answers (9)

Answer: Botox For Nerve Pain

Answer: Botox For Nerve Pain

Answer: Will Botox Help Nerve Damage in Face from Shingles?

Answer: Will Botox Help Nerve Damage in Face from Shingles?

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Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.