Botox, or botulinum toxin, is a prescribed medication commonly used to treat cervical dystonia, which is a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions. According to MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health, a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin that causes muscle paralysis. In large doses, this toxin can be life threatening, but in small doses, it can be therapeutic. Although beneficial in treating cervical dystonia, a patient should be aware of the possible side effects of Botox for this condition.
Muscle Weakness
According to Drugs.com, reports indicate that the effects of a Botox injection for cervical dystonia can spread, and in some cases, can paralyze or cause muscle weakness to parts of the body where this effect is not intended. This occurs because botulinum toxin treats cervical dystonia by causing muscle paralysis and a decreased nerve signal to muscles that cause contraction, and if Botox spreads, it may have a similar effect on other muscles. A patient should immediately tell his doctor if he notices signs of generalized muscle weakness, such as difficulty walking, or reduced strength when performing normal daily activities.
Swallowing Difficulties
A patient receiving Botox injections for cervical dystonia may experience difficulty swallowing, states Drugs.com. This occurs because Botox used to affect muscles near the cervical spine may spread to affect muscles that control swallowing. This may make it difficult for a patient to tolerate swallowing foods and liquids. An inability to swallow can result in weight loss, malnutrition and aspiration of foods and liquids, which can lead to serious lung complications. Therefore, a physician must take extreme caution in injecting the proper number of units into the proper areas to avoid affecting muscles related to swallowing. A patient experiencing swallowing difficulties should immediately tell his doctor.
Breathing Difficulties
Drugs.com warns that a serious side effect of Botox injections for cervical dystonia includes breathing difficulties. This may occur because Botox injected into the cervical spine muscles may spread to the diaphragm or rib muscles, which control breathing. Drugs.com reports that there have been patients that have died due to breathing difficulties related to Botox injections. Therefore, a patient must be aware of signs of breathing difficulty, which include shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips or extremities and excessive fatigue. Prompt medical treatment can prevent life-threatening breathing difficulties.
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