A serious Botox complication – what to do now?

I have botox injections for chronic migraines and today the doctor injected 3x the normal amount in the second injection site. (right side, back of neck near the ear) The doctor said within 7-10 days I wouldn't be able to hold my head up without a soft collar and my headaches would return. The doctor fully admitted that she had made a mistake and apologized several times and said there was nothing that could be done for 3 months. Your thoughts and any recommendations?

Dear readers, everyone, please make sure your doctors are board certified! In my opinion, only board certified neurologists should be injecting Botox for headaches. I’m hoping this complication, a very unfortunate one (even if temporary), was not due to the doctor’s lack of qualifications.

 

Please, please, please check to make sure your doctors are board certified in their specialties. There are unfortunately no laws in the US and many parts of the world that prevent doctors from pretending to be a dermatologist or a headache doctor (neurologist), when they are in fact an ER doctor or an anesthesiologist or have barely graduated from medical school. Be careful! Learn how to find a good dermatologist and which questions you should ask.

 

In your situation, the injection can’t be undone, but getting a second opinion about what to do for the next 3 months from a neurologist, and possibly a physical therapist, could be very  helpful.

 

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

 

Learn more about Botox from my Guide to Botox and Dysport.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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