Can Botox cause leg weakness? I had 100 units of Botox for Cervical Dystonia.

Question

I had 100 units of Botox for my Cervical Dystonia, my legs were so weak especially on the right side.. I lost muscle tone and could barely walk. Problem with coordination and gait instability. She said there is no way this is from Botox. A month later after the injection, I felt the muscle getting stronger gradually. I know botox helps in the spasm, pulling sensation and tremor, if the side effect is affecting other parts of the body, why is this happening JUST TO ME? I need help!!!

Michael H. Gold, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and we all know that there is, on occasion, spread of Botox near where the injections occur.  While I am not an expert on cervical dystonia, I highly doubt that injections for this would affect your legs greatly. Having said that, if this occurs every time you get injected then a correlation may exist. I would go back to your provider, let them know what is happening, have them speak with the “medical science liaison” from the company, and see if this has been reported in the past and how common this may be – if at all.

John Louis Ratz, MD · Answer

Botox can migrate to other areas, so you are not alone. As the Botox starts to lose effect, you will notice improvement. One question asked by another patient in this forum also was about side effects from Botox for cervical treatment for dystonia. While this may not be a common problem, it does happen. I would suggest not pursuing other Botox injections. Relay this to your gynecologist who may have other helpful remedies.     jlr

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Theoretically, Botox injections can cause overall diffused muscle weakness.Because of the disproportion of muscle mass in the rest of the body compared to the doses used in the tiny facial muscles, the potential for perceiving the side effect is more theoretical than real.There have been patients who have reported weakness in areas other than those injected.For the most part, these have been in patients who have significant underlying neuromuscular disease.Based on your question, it is not certain if your leg weakness set in at the same time as the Botox treatments.Did you notice the muscle weakness starting the same time the Botox took effect, typically between two and four days after treatment?Even more than the concern of the Botox causing muscle weakness and instability is the need for an evaluation to make sure there is no other disease process going on.I would definitely bring this up with your primary care doctor and potentially request a neurology consultation.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Can Botox cause leg weakness? I had 100 units of Botox for Cervical Dystonia.

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Can Botox cause leg weakness? I had 100 units of Botox for Cervical Dystonia.

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