The media has attempted to link Botox to brain damage, but there is no concrete evidence to suggest that it does. However, when Botox is injected by an untrained provider or by a professional who doesn't take proper precautions, it can cause nerve damage.
Botulinum toxins
block nerve signals to muscles, creating paralysis that can last for months. The toxic effects of Botox can sometimes spread from the area where the injections are administed* and cause a condition called botulism.This condition involves widespread problems with the way nerves communicate with muscles, but does not affect the brain. Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or blocking certain nerves, with effects that last approximately three months. Botox may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions or other factors that affect their health. It is important to avoid rubbing or massaging the area where you received the injections for a few days after receiving Botox. In studies, this side effect was reported in people who received Botox for migraine, axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the armpits), limb spasticity, and cervical dystonia (abnormal contractions of the neck muscles).When Botox and related botulinum drugs entered the market, researchers believed they would be safe to use and remain where they were injected without any risk of reaching the central nervous system and causing strange effects.
However, headache was common in people who used Botox for migraines, axillary hyperhidrosis, or cervical dystonia. A beauty guru recently revealed how she suffered lasting nerve damage after a serious case of Botox poisoning. She had plastic mouthguards placed on her to relieve pressure on her nerves and help her swallow. In studies, the side effects of Botox in children with blepharospasm (involuntary blinking) or strabismus (crossed eyes) were similar to those seen in adults who used Botox for these conditions. You should only use Botox to treat bladder problems if you're willing to have a catheter inserted, if needed. Botox users can also develop botulism, which can cause patients to lose control of their facial muscles, making it difficult for them to swallow or even breathe.
Urinary retention (not being able to completely empty the bladder on your own) was also common in adults who received Botox for bladder problems. If you have a neuromuscular disorder such as amyloid lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, or myasthenia gravis, you may have a higher risk of experiencing certain side effects with Botox.
