Botulinum toxin, widely known as Botox, is a prescribed medication used to treat cervical dystonia, facial wrinkles and excessive sweating. Cervical dystonia is a neurological condition that causes severe shoulder and neck muscle spasms. According to Botox Medical, the medication is injected near nerve cells or terminals that cause the muscles to contract. Once inside, Botox works to block neurotransmitters that initiate spasms and muscle movements. Botox is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cervical dystonia. However, patients should be aware of Botox-related side effects.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties is a side effect of Botox when treating cervical dystonia, warns Drugs.com. Upon injection into the cervical spine muscles, this effect occurs if Botox spreads to the rib muscles or diaphragm, which control breathing. Patients must be aware of breathing difficulty signs that include chest pain, shortness of breath, excessive fatigue and blue lips. Immediate medical treatment can alleviate life-threatening breathing difficulties.
Muscle Weakness
In some cases, Botox injections for cervical dystonia can cause muscle weakness or paralysis in unintended parts of the body, according to Drugs.com. Botox treats cervical dystonia by decreasing nerve signals to contracting muscles and causing paralysis. The medication may have similar effects upon other muscles if it spreads. Patients should contact a doctor immediately if signs of walking difficulty, reduced strength and muscle weakness persist.
Swallowing Difficulties
According to Baylor Medical Center, patients receiving Botox injections for cervical dystonia commonly experience swallowing difficulties. This occurs when the Botox medication spreads to muscles that control swallowing. As a result, patients may find it difficult to tolerate food and liquid swallowing. The inability to swallow can result in malnutrition, weight loss, and aspiration of liquids and foods. This can lead to serious lung complications. Patients experiencing swallowing difficulties should contact a physician immediately.
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