Ask Karen: Can Botox cause damage?

QUESTION: I recently came across an article that said there is evidence that Botox injections can cause nerve damage and even brain damage. What have you heard on this?

ANSWER: I talked with a WSLS 10 Health expert who tells me there are no known reports of brain damage from Botox.

Carilion Clinic’s Dr. Mark Greenawald says, “There is the potential of nerve damage if the injection is given directly into the nerve, but this should not occur with proper technique.”

Any licensed physician can give Botox injections, so you may want to check what training they have.

Dr. Greenawald say the most common side effect is a headache and the most concerning side effect is a temporary weakness of the eyelid, causing drooping.