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What Causes Pain Radiating From Ear To Neck After Botox Therapy?
Question: Hi, I have experienced pain over my left ear and traveling down my neck since 2nd series of Botox injections for chronic migraines. I was referred to a neurosurgeon by neurologist who did Botox injections. Had an MRI of my neck and brain. Arthritis was found in the right side of my neck and congenital neck fusion. Neurosurgeon referred for facet blocks which I had five injections along the left side of my neck on Tuesday, November 4th. I do not have any relief yet. I also experience dizziness and blurred vision. I am frustrated and not sure where to turn for relief. Do you have any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Neck pain following botox therapy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Botox to treat chronic migraines is given at intervals of about 12 weeks as multiple injections around the head and neck to try to dull future headache symptoms. Since the facet blocks did not give you enough relief of pain,you should go for selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs),to provide pain relief for enough time
Facet joint injections are performed for neck pain.
Nerve root blocks attempt to anesthetize the desired nerve to produce long-term relief of pain, primarily in patients with radiculopathy.
Although the 2 injections are similar in nature and often performed in the same patient for back pain, they are designed to treat different pathologic processes.
SNRBs are done by anesthetist.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Neck pain following botox therapy
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Botox to treat chronic migraines is given at intervals of about 12 weeks as multiple injections around the head and neck to try to dull future headache symptoms. Since the facet blocks did not give you enough relief of pain,you should go for selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs),to provide pain relief for enough time
Facet joint injections are performed for neck pain.
Nerve root blocks attempt to anesthetize the desired nerve to produce long-term relief of pain, primarily in patients with radiculopathy.
Although the 2 injections are similar in nature and often performed in the same patient for back pain, they are designed to treat different pathologic processes.
SNRBs are done by anesthetist.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
So you think my neurosurgeon is on the right track by suggesting the facet blocks first to see if they would work? Also, I cancelled the appointment for the third series of Botox injections. I felt the Botox injections were too close to the facet block injections and i am concerned some of the head pain is a side effect of Botox. What are your thoughts on these two questions? And what is radiculopathy?
Brief Answer:
Botox injection therapy for chronic migraine
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Facet blocks/ facet joint injections are used for treating chronic back pain and sometimes used diagnostically to help determine the anatomic source of back pain (albeit neck pain).
Glucocorticoid injection into a facet has been used as evidence that the facet joint is the source. It is what is called a "therapeutic trial".
Since you have little relief of pain following facet joint injections, next alternative is selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) , now a common procedure for both diagnostic and therapeutic purpose for radiculopathy & back pain. You can discuss about this your doctor.
Radiculopathy is abnormality involving nerve root (motor or sensory).This can result in pain (radicular pain), at or near the root of the nerve, along the spine. Pain often radiate to the part of the body served by that nerve ( as in your case pain traveling down neck).
Side effects of Botox injections include: discomfort or pain at the injection site & neck pain
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Botox injection therapy for chronic migraine
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Facet blocks/ facet joint injections are used for treating chronic back pain and sometimes used diagnostically to help determine the anatomic source of back pain (albeit neck pain).
Glucocorticoid injection into a facet has been used as evidence that the facet joint is the source. It is what is called a "therapeutic trial".
Since you have little relief of pain following facet joint injections, next alternative is selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) , now a common procedure for both diagnostic and therapeutic purpose for radiculopathy & back pain. You can discuss about this your doctor.
Radiculopathy is abnormality involving nerve root (motor or sensory).This can result in pain (radicular pain), at or near the root of the nerve, along the spine. Pain often radiate to the part of the body served by that nerve ( as in your case pain traveling down neck).
Side effects of Botox injections include: discomfort or pain at the injection site & neck pain
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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