Botulinum toxin A, is known as Botox and has been used by doctors for many years to treat many conditions. While it is best known for cosmetic purposes, Botox is also used to treat many musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Muscle contraction requires communication between nerves and muscles. When Botox is injected into muscle, muscle contraction is reduced. This is helpful when the muscle is too tight or in spasm.
The injection will be performed by a radiologist who will be assisted by one of our technical staff.
No preparation is required although it is important to contact us and let us know if you are taking any blood thinning medications or have any drug allergies prior to the appointment.
The procedure usually takes about twenty (20) minutes.
Depending on whether ultrasound or CT guidance is required, you may be asked to change into a gown. You will then be positioned on the table, and a limited scan will be performed to determine the best route of access.
The radiologist will cleanse the region with an antiseptic, and a very thin needle is positioned into the joint/bursa. A short-acting local anaesthetic may be given to numb the skin near the injection site. The image guidance then allows our radiologist to guide the needle into the targeted muscle for a more effective Botox injection. You may feel a sharp shooting pain when the needles reaches the muscle.
The local anaesthetic part of the injection may give you immediate relief from your symptoms, however the Botox injection benefits can take days to weeks to be noticed. The effects are not permanent and may wear off after a few months.
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