Tension headaches after Botox - any suggestions?

Question

I am almost 3 months out from Botox. As my forehead became tighter my temples began hurting and I have have tension like headaches since . Seeing a neurologist who does see headaches post Botox in about 5 percent of patients . Trying to future out a medicine that works but no luck yet ... and of course waiting for Botox to wear off ... any suggestions ??

Mark E. Mason, MD · Answer

Hi there, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to read of your experience, and hope you feel some relief soon. My name is Lindsay, and I'm Dr. Mark Mason's Lead Nurse Injector. I've seen a few patients experience headaches right after Botox, usually from the needle tapping the bone (going too deep with injections). Those headaches only last a few days. I've seen many patients experience tension headache relief with Botox, and the relief sets in a couple weeks after injections, only lasting 3 months. Once Botox has worn off, usually around 3 months, they are due for more. If you are having temporal headaches, you can have your temples injected with Botox as well, but your forehead will probably be due for more at the same time. I hope this information is helpful.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Neuromodulators like Botox can cause headaches in a small percentage of patients. I often find it is the technique used that does it more than the Botox itself. If the problem persists, I suggest following up with your physician or getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of your headaches after you Botox treatment.  It is uncommon for headaches to persist this long.  Botox effects gradually wear off over three to four months on average but there is no reversal agent.

Adam J. Messenger, MD · Answer

I have found that needle placement can have an impact on the degree of discomfort felt by patients after a neuromodulator injection. I would also recommend a visit with your primary care physician to have some routine labs drawn to make sure nothing medical (i.e thyroid, vitamin deficiency, electrolyte disturbances, inflammatory conditions) is going on. Interestingly, Botox and Dysport typically work by reducing the release of pro-inflammatory chemical messengers as well as by muscle relaxation. You may also benefit from daily magnesium supplementation as it is a natural muscle relaxer. There are various forms but magnesium bisglycinate is well absorbed and may not give you the gastrointestinal effects of other forms of magnesium. I hope that helps!

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Tension headaches post Botox are very rare (much less than 5% of patients).  It may be more related to the injectors technique vs patients reactions.
Dr. Taranow

Tension headaches after Botox - any suggestions?

Answers (5)

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