Headaches after Botox may come as a surprise sincechronic migraine preventionis one of the reasons for the treatment.

Botox contains very tiny amounts of a toxin derived from theClostridium botulinumbacterium.

This botulinum toxin works by impairing nerve functioning.

Man receiving Botox injection

Rick Gomez / Getty Images

Other potential side effects of Botox will also be briefly reviewed.

Neck pain and headache are the most commonly reported side effects for this indication.

A potentially life-threatening side effect is if the toxin spreads away from the site where the drug is injected.

One is that when injected with Botox, the targeted muscle first spasms before eventually relaxing and becoming paralyzed.

This muscle spasm may trigger a headache.

This may cause a headache along with a tender, bruised lump to form on the skin.

The needle accidentally striking the skull bone or stress/anxiety over undergoing Botox injections may also contribute to headache manifestation.

These are the same medications used to treattension-jot down headachesa dull, pressure-like pain felt around the whole head.

Keep in mind that some Botox providers may prefer their patients avoid NSAIDs altogether.

Lastly, if you consistently develop a headache after your injections, talk with your Botox provider.

Headache is a possible side effect that may occur with head, neck, or facial Botox injections.

Fortunately, this side effect is mild and can be soothed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you continue to be uncomfortable.

Also, be mindful that undergoing Botox often requires a commitment on your part.

This is because the effect of Botox is temporary, lasting around three months.

It’s likely you will need repeated injections for maintain any desired cosmetic or therapeutic outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

No.

Headaches should not get worse after Botox.

You may experience a headache after Botox, usually on the day of or the day after the injections.

Food and Drug Administration.Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).

Witmanowski H, Bochowiak K.The whole truth about botulinum toxin - a review.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.

Rizzoli P, Mullally W.Headache.Am J Med.

2018;131(1):17-24. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2017.09.005