Severe, intractable headache after injection with botulinum A exotoxin: Report of 5 cases

Murad Alam; Kenneth A. Arndt; Jeffrey S. Dover

doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.118342

Severe, intractable headache after injection with botulinum A exotoxin: Report of 5 cases

Murad Alam, Kenneth A. Arndt, Jeffrey S. Dover

Dermatology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Botulinum A exotoxin is a safe agent in common use in dermatology. Occasionally, patients receiving botulinum toxin injections report postprocedure discomfort, including headaches. Objective: Our purpose was to estimate the rate of severe headaches occurring after injection with botulinum toxin for dermatologic indications. Methods: We used prospective monitoring of botulinum toxin injection outcomes in a single-site, 3-dermatologist practice. There was in-office and telephone follow-up of patients experiencing severe headaches. Results: Approximately 1% of patients (4/320) receiving botulinum A exotoxin injections may experience severe, debilitating headaches. These may persist at high intensity for 2 weeks to 1 month before gradually fading. Conclusion: Botulinum A exotoxin injection may be associated with the development of life-altering headaches. Patients should be informed of this possibility.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	62-65
Number of pages	4
Journal	Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume	46
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2001.118342
State	Published - Jan 1 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Dermatology

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10.1067/mjd.2001.118342

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abstract = "Background: Botulinum A exotoxin is a safe agent in common use in dermatology. Occasionally, patients receiving botulinum toxin injections report postprocedure discomfort, including headaches. Objective: Our purpose was to estimate the rate of severe headaches occurring after injection with botulinum toxin for dermatologic indications. Methods: We used prospective monitoring of botulinum toxin injection outcomes in a single-site, 3-dermatologist practice. There was in-office and telephone follow-up of patients experiencing severe headaches. Results: Approximately 1% of patients (4/320) receiving botulinum A exotoxin injections may experience severe, debilitating headaches. These may persist at high intensity for 2 weeks to 1 month before gradually fading. Conclusion: Botulinum A exotoxin injection may be associated with the development of life-altering headaches. Patients should be informed of this possibility.",

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AU - Dover, Jeffrey S.

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Severe, intractable headache after injection with botulinum A exotoxin: Report of 5 cases

Abstract

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