Botulinum Toxin Injections – A Treatment for Muscle Spasms

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What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a protein that helps stop muscle spasms when it is injected directly into the muscle. Muscle spasms are caused by chemical messages sent to the muscles from nerves. These messages tell the muscles to contract (to tighten up). Botulinum toxin blocks these messages.

Are botulinum toxin injections safe?

Botulinum toxin is made by the same bacterium that causes food poisoning. A high dose of botulinum toxin could be fatal, just as food poisoning can be fatal. However, the dose given in injections is so small that you probably won’t have any harmful effects from the toxin.

Botulinum toxin has been used safely for a number of years.

Why do I need botulinum toxin injections?

Your healthcare provider may be considering botulinum toxin injections to treat certain muscle spasms on your face or eyelids. The injections can also be used for some eye movement disorders, such as a lazy eye (also called strabismus). Botulinum toxin is a standard treatment for spasmodic torticollis, a muscle spasm that causes the head and neck to pull in one direction. Your healthcare provider may use botulinum toxin injections to treat other problems as well.

How are botulinum toxin injections given?

Botulinum toxin is mixed with saline (salt water) and injected into the muscle with a tiny needle. You may receive 5 to 10 injections.

What are some side effects of botulinum toxin injections?

You might have some soreness at the injection sites. If your injection sites get sore, you can take acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (two brand names: Advil, Motrin). You can also put an ice pack on the painful area.

You might also have the following side effects:

  • Weakness in the muscles that were injected
  • Muscle soreness that affects your whole body
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • A red rash that lasts several days after the injections

Side effects from botulinum toxin injections usually go away quickly.

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Revised/Updated: 05-01-2014

Created: 09-01-2000

This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, contact your family healthcare provider.

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