I believe Botox caused Peripheral Neuropathy in my fingers and toes. Would the same reaction happen again and would it be worse?

Question

Three days after receiving 28 units of botox for crows feet and 3 units above my lip for horizontal smile line I experienced tingling and numbness in my fingers and toes. It peaked at about 10 days. The doctor said it was not possible it was the Botox. A neurologist did an MRI and extensive blood work. The results were negative for MS or autoimmune diseases. After 6 weeks the numbness and tingling went away. I would like botox again but I am concerned of recurring peripheral neuropathy issues.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is very unusual side effect of Botox that I am not aware of? The only way to see whether it is Botox related is to repeat the same procedure and follow closely on any signs of nephropathy. If so, physician who treated you should contact Allergan and report this as a side effect. Good luck.

Ryan Welter, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am unaware of any documentation showing peripheral neuropathy following a Botox cosmetic injection.  Since this is a concern following your last Botox injection, my advice is to consult with your primary care physician before considering further elective treatments.  Best of luck.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It is very unusual side effect of Botox that I am not aware of The only way to see whether it is Botox related is to repeat the same procedure and follow closely on any signs of nephropathy. If so, physician who treated you should contact Allergan and report this as a side effect. Best of luck!

Aric Aghayan, MD · Answer

Dear Waterlilygirl,The timing of your symptoms and the fact that they resolved are suspicious, but peripheral neuropathy is not a normal complication of botox injected in the face. The effects of Botox are temporary and should not cause a recurrence of your symptoms, but the only way to know would be to try it again with close monitoring by your surgeon and neurologist. Good luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The only way to check your very rare and unusual reaction to centrally sub dermal injected low dose Botox is try a test dose of freshly mixed Botox (Allergan USA only!). I would inject into hairline of forehead 10 units per side, only. Than be examined every 3 days for 2 weeks to see if there is a recurrence of this peripheral neuropathy. Also did the initial injecting MD notify Allergan and file an incident report?

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I believe Botox caused Peripheral Neuropathy in my fingers and toes. Would the same reaction happen again and would it be worse?

Answers (5)

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