Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Intracranial Injection of Adeno-associated Viral Vectors
Published on: November 17, 2010
Severe, intractable headache after injection with botulinum a exotoxin: report of 5 cases
Murad Alam1, Kenneth A Arndt, Jeffrey S Dover
1DermSurgery Associates, Houston, Texas, USA. murad@alam.com
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.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Tetanus
Botulism

