Swelling and severe pain in my arm after Botox injections.

Hello,
What you describe doesn't sound normal, but it's hard to get a clear picture without more details. Firstly, the trapezius muscle isn't in the front. The nerves that travel from the neck down to the arms aren't in the front either. Botox shouldn't be causing swelling in your armpit. I'm concerned that there is more happening than trapezius muscle spasm; such as compression of the nerves that travel down your arm as well as the vein and lymphatic vessels that drain the arm. Consider a second opinion with another neurologist and an appointment with your primary care physician.
Please let us know how you are doing.
Best regards,
Lillian Overman, MD

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your symptoms.  Unfortunately without knowing the exact placement of injections it is difficult to offer definite advice as some discomfort from migraine Botox injections is common.  I know it is difficult to do but allow yourself more time for the injection sites to heal and you should see your symptoms improve steadily.  Maintain close follow up with your neurologist so that they can refer you appropriately if you see no resolution.  Best wishes. 

This is a unusual and strange reaction.
With Botox, that amount of swelling and pain shouldn’t happen.
Why were you getting an injection in your trapezius?
A nerve conduction study if your arm and a MRI of your cervical spine may help find some underlying/ baseline problems.
Kristine Brecht MD
Seattle, Wa