Botox® Experiences - Barb Bartz
I have had HFS for 16 years and was on Botox® for 10 of those years. When I first started on Botox®, it was wonderful. But as I recall, my HFS symptoms were not that bad and the Botox® was only given around the affected eye and in the eyebrow. I found with Botox® that it was great for me for controlling the eye and eyebrow spasms. My eye would not completely close for about 2 weeks after the shots so I needed to be careful to put eye gel in it every night during those two weeks. But the Botox® did a good job of controlling the spasms for about a 3-month period of time.
However, as time went on and my spasms started to involve my cheek, mouth and neck I found that Botox® was not nearly as effective. Although the Botox® lessened the severity of the spasms, they were always there. My doctor explained that when Botox® is given in the eye area where the muscles being injected are smaller, the results of the Botox® are much more predictable. When the Botox® is given in the cheek muscle, because it is a larger muscle, the Botox® spreads and doesn't always give the desired result (sometimes causing too much paralysis).
In my opinion, if the spasms are mainly in the eye area then I would give Botox® a try with an experienced doctor. But if you have strong spasms in the face, then you will probably find that to give enough Botox® to calm the spasms will only result in facial weakness. And that can cause as much frustration as having the spasms.
We've heard from several people who are anti-Botox®. But I know several of you out there are on Botox® and happy with it. It would be good to hear your comments.
Permission granted the HFSA to post Botox® Experience on website.
Barb Bartz, October 01, 2003
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