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Botulinum toxin injectionsThe many uses of botulinum toxin

Botox is not only used for wrinkles. Consider UW Health's highly experienced care team, which uses Botox for patients with a variety of medical conditions, including migraines, drooling, and movement disorders (such as involuntary blinking, facial movements, or muscle twitching around the eye or face)

Overview

An effective therapy for movement disorders, chronic migraines and more

UW Health offers the most advanced treatments and therapies. One of these is botulinum toxin injections.

Commonly known as a treatment of wrinkles, this therapy has many uses. When given by our experienced neurologists, it might help treat several medical conditions, including migraines and movement disorders.

About the treatment

Botulinum toxin can be used to treat a diverse set of conditions

When botulinum toxin is given in safe amounts and the right spot, the drug can block nerve signals. It can temporarily weaken or paralyze certain muscles.

Who is Botox treatment for? 

Botox may be an effective treatment for:

  • Chronic migraine headache (severe headaches that occur 15 or more days per month) 

  • Drooling caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease (sialorrhea)

  • Movement disorders 

    • Involuntary blinking or eye spasm (blepharospasm)

    • Involuntary movements of the mouth and face (orofacial dyskinesias)

    • Involuntary muscle contractions or spasms that cause abnormal body positions or repetitive movements (dystonia) 

    • Muscle twitching around an eye or one side of the face (hemifacial spasm) 

    • Stiffened or tightened muscles caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or stroke (spasticity) 

    • Sudden unexpected movements (motor tics)

Treatment process

Taking a shot at improving your symptoms

Botulinum toxin injections can be used as a treatment for migraines and movement disorders. Here's what you can expect during the process.

The treatment process for migraine patients

Chronic migraine patients will meet with a doctor first to determine if botulinum toxin is appropriate for your condition. If it is, we’ll schedule a time for you to return.

The treatment takes place in your doctor’s office or clinic and consists of the following:

  1. 01.
    The doctor injects botulinum toxin into specific muscles

    This is done with a small needle. The number of injections is determined using the PREEMPT protocol and adjusted based on your specific treatment needs.

  2. 02.
    You return home

    For a few days, you may feel sore at the injection site. During the first 24 hours, it can help to apply ice in 20-minute sessions. After 24 hours, you may use heat as well. It can take several days to weeks — in some cases, months — to see the full benefit of the treatment.

  3. 03.
    We follow-up

    You can touch base with us in between appointments via MyChart or phone for treatment benefits, concerns or side effects.

    Go to MyChart
  4. 04.
    We repeat the treatment

    Treatment results are only temporary. If it helps you, we will repeat it every 12 weeks. If treatment doesn’t help as expected, we can consider changing your dose or your injection site.

Treatment process for movement disorder patients

Movement disorder patients will meet with a doctor first to determine if botulinum toxin is appropriate for your condition. If it is, we’ll schedule a time for you to return.

The treatment takes place in your doctor’s office or clinic and consists of the following:

  1. 01.
    The doctor injects Botox into specific muscles or glands

    This is done with a small needle. The number of injections depends on the condition being treated. Sometimes the doctor uses electromyography — a test that measures your muscles’ electrical activity — to identify the best location for your injections.

  2. 02.
    You return home

    For a few days, you may feel sore at the injection site. During the first 24 hours, it might help to apply ice in 20-minute sessions. After 24 hours, you can use heat as well. It usually takes two to 14 days to see the full benefit of the treatment.

  3. 03.
    We repeat the treatment

    Treatment results are only temporary. If it helps you, we might repeat it after three to four months. If treatment doesn’t help as expected, we could consider changing your dose or your injection site.

Meet our team

Committed to your safety, dedicated to helping you find relief

Highly trained neurologists provide Botox treatments at UW Health. They deliver all treatments safely and keep you as comfortable as possible.

Our providers

Locations

Our clinics are close by and ready to help

Our neurologists offer botulinum toxin treatments through our neurology, movement disorder and headache clinics. 

Life-changing care for brain and nervous system disorders

At UW Health, you will partner with doctors, dietitians, physical therapists, occupational therapists and other skilled health care providers to treat and manage symptoms of your condition.

Learn more