Can Botox cause Bell’s palsy?

Question

I had box done to my forehead, outer eyebrows (to lift them up) and upper cheeks 30 day ago. Last night I noticed while brushing my teeth that I couldn’t close my mouth properly, and water was dribbling out from the left side, and I couldn’t blink my left eye, I thought I was having a heart attack and went to emergencies and go prescribed steroids and diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. Just curious is Botox could’ve been the cause of this situation even 30 days later.

Janet Turkle, MD · Answer

I think that the Botox injection 30 days ago would not be likely to be a cause of the Bell’s palsy. If the Botox was responsible for the findings, the issues would have presented themselves at 5-10 day’s post injection. I hope you have a quick resolution of your Bell’s palsy.

John Tang, MD · Answer

I have not seen Botox cause Bell's Palsy (paralysis of the facial nerve) though if Botox was injected in the wrong location it can cause the cheek to droop.  In your case, the timing of getting your symptoms 30 days after the Botox treatment would exclude Botox as a primary cause of the problem.  I wish you the best in treating the Bell's palsy.  I would recommend Vitamin B6, Vitamin 12 injections weekly with oral alpha lipoic acid and thiamine which may help the nerve to repair itself.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, it is unlikely that Botox caused this. Botox results take 1-2 weeks and will resolve in 3-4 months. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is unlikely your Botox treatment 30 days ago caused your Bell’s palsy. It Botox was responsible the issues would have presented themselves at 5-10 days post injection. It typically takes 3-6 months for Botox to wear off. If you have any concerns it is always best to follow up with your injector. Best of Luck!

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Bell's palsy is a condition affecting your facial nerve causing your face to droop. By definition, Bell's palsy does not have a known cause. A Botox works by affecting the signal from the facial nerve to muscle. An injection 30 days ago is likely unrelated to your current condition. Sorry you have Bell's palsy. I hope the ER referred you to an ENT or Neurologist for follow-up.

Can Botox cause Bell’s palsy?

Answers (5)

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