Berkshire Pain Clinic
Dr Husham Al-Shather
Consultant in Pain Management
What is BOTOX?
BOTOX is the trade name for Botulinum toxin. It is an active substance that is injected into either deep in the skin or into the muscle. Botox injections are a minimally invasive procedure choice for people suffering from persistent pain.
How does Botulinum toxin work?
Botox works by causing temporary paralysis and relaxation of the injected muscle. No contraction means no pain.
It prevents the transmission of the electrical signals to the muscle by blocking acetylcholine, a substance that is responsible for nerve impulses that lead to muscle contraction. It also works by blocking the pain signals to the nervous system, which prevents the development of painful conditions like migraine.
What are the advantages of Botulinum toxin in Pain Management?
Botulinum Toxin is relatively very safe and its relaxing effect, hence their pain relief effect, can be long lasting. When compared with oral muscle relaxing medications, it does not cause the unwanted sedative side effect. Their unwanted effects are not common and usually mild.
What are the indications of Botulinum toxin In Chronic Pain?
Cervical dystonia
Chronic headaches and Migraine
Thoracic back pain
Low back pain
Neck pain trigger points and muscle spasm
Peripheral neuropathic pain
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Fibromyalgia tender points
Spasticity related pain
What are the side effects?
Botulinum toxin injections are usually very safe and their side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Common side effects: bruising, flu like symptoms, abdominal pain and sickness and headaches
Rare side effects: allergy and difficulty in breathing, muscle weakness and immunity to Botox effects.
What are the contraindications for treatment?
The use of Botulinum toxin is contraindicated in people with
Neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis
Those who are taking certain muscle relaxants
Those who are taking certain antibodies such as aminoglycosides
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Infection or inflammation at the proposed site of injections
Bleeding disorders
Please contact our consultants team at Berkshire Pain Clinic if you have any further queries or visit our website https://berkshirepainclinic.co.uk Secretary : 123456789
