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• Botulinum toxin is a substance made from the same bacteria that can cause botulism.  This substance is an inactive form of the toxin several thousand times less potent than that needed to cause botulism.

• There are several toxins produced by the bacteria.  Botox is a Type A strain, while the newer Myobloc is Type B.  Both effectively reduce painful muscle spasms.  Gradual relaxation of the muscle spasms develops over 1-2 weeks, and may last for 3-4 months.  The pain relief can last even longer.

• Some of the conditions, which are treated with these injections, include muscle contraction headaches, chronic muscle spasms in the back and neck, myofascial pain syndrome. 

• These injections may be done in an office setting or under sedation in the Pain Management Outpatient Procedure Area.  Where the injections are performed depends on the size and location of the muscles injected, personal preference, and insurance coverage.

• If done in the office setting you will be asked to change into a gown and lie down on the exam table.  Your skin will be cleansed and the muscles in spasm will be injected with a tiny needle using either (Botox or Myobloc) mixed with saline (salt water) or an anesthetic (numbing) numbing medication.

• If your injection is being done in the Pain Management Outpatient Procedure Area you will be brought to the pre-op area where your medical history and medications will be reviewed and a nurse will start an IV that will be used for the administration of sedation. 

• You will then be taken by stretcher into the OR where the nurses will help position you for the injection.

• The nurse anesthetist will inject medicine into your IV that will make you sleepy.  The physician will then perform the injection.

• After the injection, you are transferred on a stretcher to the recovery area.  A nurse will check your vital signs and have you rate your pain as you wake up.  This usually takes approximately 10 minutes.   At that time, your family will be notified and you will be taken in a wheelchair out to your car.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:

• You may notice some mild discomfort at the injection site.  You might also notice some weakness in the muscle that was injected, muscle soreness over your entire body, difficulty swallowing or a red rash that might last several days.  All of the side effects go away quickly.

If you should have any further questions please do not hesitate to call us at (419) 423-5555.