CPAP + Botox = Problems

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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TheManWith2FirstName
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CPAP + Botox = Problems

Post by TheManWith2FirstName » Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:40 pm

I have been getting botox injections for migraines for a while now. I started CPAP therapy almost 3 months ago. The last round of Botox injections haven't worked as well as they normally do. The nasal mask head gear lines up with most of the injection sites. The head gear seems to have displaced the botox, and made the treatment for my migraines less effective. I have adjusted the mask to the point where there is no leaking, but any looser and it will leak. I'm stuck with the mask for at least 3 more months.

So I guess my question is this: Has anyone else experienced this problem? Is there a better mask that doesn't rely on straps that go against the forehead. Thanks.

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LSAT
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Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: CPAP + Botox = Problems

Post by LSAT » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:13 pm

Here is one....go to cpap.com and review pictures of all the masks.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

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Slartybartfast
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Re: CPAP + Botox = Problems

Post by Slartybartfast » Fri Apr 27, 2012 1:07 pm

In a word, no, but because of the way BOTOX works, it's not unreasonable that strap pressure might displace the drug from the injection site. BOTOX is a large (900,000 molecular weight) globular protein complex, and one reaon it lasts as long as it does is because of its enormous size. The molecule stays where it's injected and doesn't diffuse through the muscle as a small molecule drug would. However, if pressure is placed on the muscle after injection, it's conceivable that the drug might be displaced from the injeciton site. That's one explanation for the most commonly reported side effect of BOTOX therapy. When the target muscle lies beneath one or more other muscles, it's hard to place all the drug at the target without some of it leaking back along the needle wound path and into the overlying tissue. Like stepping on a toothpaste tube with the cap off. Hence, patients being treated for spasmotic dysphonia sometimes complain afterward of difficulty swallowing, or slurred speech. And those receiving injections for cosmetic reasons, especially brow furrow and crow's feet, sometimes end up briefly with mild ptosis (droopy eyelid).

Best to talk with whoever did your injections. Bring your mask and put it on so your doc can see whether the straps might be placing pressure on the injeciton sites.

Migraines are no fun. I had them for years, during college and grad school, but eventually grew out of them.

Disclaimer: No, I'm not an MD and have no medical training. The above is simply my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.

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TheManWith2FirstName
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Re: CPAP + Botox = Problems

Post by TheManWith2FirstName » Mon Apr 30, 2012 3:27 pm

Thanks for the help. The masks look like they'll work, but I wouldn't be able to get them until August. So for the mean time I picked up a thin beanie, and am going to try wearing that under the headgear.

I have a call placed into my Doctor that administers the Botox. I hope to get this figured out soon. Thanks for all the help.

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Julie
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Re: CPAP + Botox = Problems

Post by Julie » Mon Apr 30, 2012 3:30 pm

Hi, I don't want to discourage you from getting help, but I did read a report yesterday - don't know now from which site or journal - that said botox for migraines has not fulfilled its original promise, which might mean that your botox is no longer working well because it doesn't, not because of Cpap.