Self-Administered Botulinum Injection Causing Rare Masquerade of Systemic Botulism

Cureus. 2024 Jul 20;16(7):e64976. doi: 10.7759/cureus.64976. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Abstract

This report describes the case of a patient who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a one-week history of difficulty in breathing, generalized weakness, dysphagia, and difficulty in walking. She had self-administered 100 units of onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT-A) by injection into her face two weeks prior for cosmetic purposes. This case study highlights the rare but potential complication of systemic botulism.

Keywords: adult botulism; botox; botox injections; botulism; muscle spasticity; physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports