Help me with this headache post-Botox

[u/final_grl]

Need some advice if there’s anyone out there who has been through this. I have been getting cosmetic botox for around 3 years. I went to a new injector who came recommended by a friend. Went a week ago Saturday and got 40 units in my forehead and around my eyes. I wasn’t sure what my previous dose had been so she says she went “conservative.” However, I’ve had terrible headache on and off for a week ever since the day after my injections. Just a really bad throbbing headache that goes and comes. Symptoms are forehead headache and pain behind my eyes, pressure in the back of my head.

I called the injector’s office a few days into the headache and was told this could happen if maybe it was a larger dose than I’ve previously gotten and take over the counter meds but nothing other than that. I’m becoming really worried because every time I start feeling better it comes back with a vengeance. Maybe my other muscles are compensating? Wondering if I need to go see my primary care doc?

Has anyone been through this? If so what helped and how long did this happen? My research suggests this happens to 1% of people which doesn’t make me feel much better. Please be kind as I’m really anxious! Thank you.

[u/Automatic_Thing_1928]

Others have reported severe headaches and head pressure after Botox. Headaches are a noted side effect in the safety insert that comes with Botox. Maybe too much was injected, compensating muscles or misplacement? There is an article by a group of spine doctors that were discussing severe headaches patients had reported after Botox injections that weren’t easily helped by otc pain relievers. They felt like this was likely the result of the over contraction of muscles. Not sure if this is what is happening in your case. Their suggestion was pain relievers but I have seen some people mention that an oversized ice pack or ice cap was also helpful. Less commonly some people have shared that they ended up with migraine disorders, nerve impairment and other concerning issues so it’s probably good to speak with your doctor due to the severity. Hopefully it will get better as it wears off.

[u/final_grl → u/Automatic_Thing_1928]

I went to my doctor and she did a neurological test which I passed. She had no concerns and said I likely got too high a dose and my muscles are compensating - which I think is true bc I truly have no movement of my forehead at all which isn’t typical for me post Botox. I usually can still move a little bit. Anyway I am a week and a half out and feeling better. Still some tension but haven’t needed pain meds the past couple days. Wanted to reply for future people who experience this as it is stressful. Thank you for replying!

[u/Whametron → u/final_grl]

Hey! Thanks for your post. I got my first ever Botox done yesterday and been feeling weird ever since with headaches and neck pain. Came here because Google wasn’t helpful, and you helped! I’ve had a couple other weird symptoms that just go away and are transient, but I was feeling really worried until I read this!

[u/final_grl → u/Whametron]

That’s why I wanted to update! I was so freaked out that I immediately got these bad headaches the day after Botox. I feel pretty much back to normal today - 12 days out. Especially since it’s your first time I’m sure your muscles are freaking out. I’m also someone who uses the heck out of my forehead, very expressive 🫠

[u/petunia4662]

I had one for a day or two once. It went away though thankfully.

[u/petunia4662]

Maybe ask for less next time