Neurological Botulinum Toxin in Sharjah

What is neurological botulinum toxin treatment?

Botulinum toxin is a purified protein that, in tiny medical amounts, blocks the chemical message a nerve sends to a muscle. The injected muscle relaxes for a period, and the nerve gradually grows new connections, which is why the effect fades and treatment is repeated. In chronic migraine the injections also appear to quieten pain signalling in nerves around the head and neck.

This page covers medical use for nerve and muscle conditions, planned and given by a neurologist. It is a separate service from cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections, which follow different aims, doses and injection patterns.

The effect builds gradually over the days after an injection rather than appearing at once, and each course is spaced at intervals your neurologist advises. Many people find the plan is refined over the first few courses as the doses and sites are matched to their pattern of symptoms.

Who needs it

Botulinum toxin is considered for people whose symptoms continue to affect daily life after the usual first-line treatments. The main neurological uses are:

• Chronic migraine, meaning headache on most days of the month, with migraine features on many of them, where preventive tablets have given too little benefit or caused side effects. Care for migraine overall is described on the migraine treatment page.
• Spasticity after stroke, where tight muscles pull the elbow, wrist, fingers or ankle into a fixed position, making washing, dressing or walking harder.
• Dystonia, including cervical dystonia, which twists or pulls the neck, and blepharospasm, which makes the eyelids close forcefully and repeatedly.
• Some tremors, particularly certain head, voice or hand tremors, as one option on the tremor treatment pathway.

The decision is shared. Your neurologist weighs your diagnosis, what you have already tried, which muscles are involved and what you hope to gain, such as easier hand hygiene, fewer headache days or less neck pulling. Where another approach suits you better, the neurologist explains it alongside the injections so you can choose with full information.

What happens

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the first visit is an assessment rather than an injection. The neurologist takes a detailed history, examines the muscles involved and reviews previous treatment. Nerve conduction studies and EMG, available in the department, can help identify which muscles are overactive when that is unclear. Imaging through radiology, such as an MRI scan, is arranged only when the diagnosis needs it.

On the treatment day you sit or lie in a comfortable position. The skin is cleaned and a very fine needle is used to place small amounts into chosen points. For chronic migraine, these follow a set pattern across the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck and shoulders. For spasticity and dystonia, the sites are tailored to the muscles causing the problem, and EMG guidance may be used to locate deeper muscles accurately. Most people describe a series of brief stings. You can usually go home the same day.

Preparing for it

Bring a list of every medicine you take, including blood thinners, and tell your neurologist about any previous botulinum toxin injections, whether medical or cosmetic, with their dates. Mention any muscle weakness condition, swallowing or breathing difficulty, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

A symptom record helps greatly. For migraine, keep a headache diary of attack days and painkiller use. For spasticity or dystonia, a short phone video of the problem at its worst gives a useful baseline. Family members who help with daily care, including relatives abroad who join by video call, can describe what changes matter most at home.

Afterwards

Carry on with normal daily activities after the injections. The benefit builds over the following days and weeks, so a review appointment is planned to judge the effect and adjust the next course. For spasticity, stretching and exercise help the relaxed muscles make the most of the treatment, and physiotherapy may be arranged by referral.

Keep a symptom record between courses, because it guides the dose and timing of the next one. Summer heat and dehydration can trigger migraine in the UAE, so keep drinking water through the day. If you fast in Ramadan, speak with your neurologist beforehand about timing the other medicines that support your plan.

Contact the hospital if you notice new weakness near an injection site, a drooping eyelid, blurred or double vision, or neck weakness that affects daily tasks. Call emergency services or go to the emergency department straight away if you have difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing after an injection.

Cost and insurance

Insurance cover for botulinum toxin depends on the diagnosis and your plan. Medical use for chronic migraine, spasticity or dystonia usually needs insurance pre-approval, supported by records of previous treatments and a headache diary or clinical notes. Cosmetic use is a separate category. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.