Botox Injection Severe Side Effects Treatment

Side effects from botox injections are not uncommon and even expected to some degree in the region where the injection was performed. For example, when botox is injected into the voicebox for spasmodic dysphonia , normal and expected side effects include hoarseness and dysphagia . However, in very rare instances, more severe side effects may occur that may even appear to be life-threathening including stridor , shortness of breath, profound difficulty swallowing , etc. Botox overdose so …

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How Long Do Swallowing and Voice Problems Last After C-Spine Surgery ACDF?

I often see patients for swallowing and/or voice difficulties after cervical spine surgery (ACDF) . In the vast majority of cases, reassurance that such "side effects" are not uncommon is the only thing I need to provide after a complete exam. After all, both the voice box and swallowing tube are manipulated and pushed over to one side in order to perform cervical spine surgery from an anterior approach. Check out the video below that illustrates how this happens. Beyond reas…

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I Am Taking a Reflux Medication & My Symptoms are Not Improving!

On an almost daily basis, I get an email from somebody with the same exact question or near-variation: "Dear Dr. Chang,  I have been taking a [ insert reflux medication ] for [ insert number ] weeks and I see no improvement in my [ insert symptom ]. What should I do?" The reflux medication typically mentioned include nexium, dexilant, prilosec, prevacid, protonix, or some other proton pump inhibitor . The most common symptoms typically mentioned include: • Globus • …

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New Video on Esophageal Manometry and 24 Hour Multi-Channel pH and Impedance Testing

Our office has created a new video describing what a patient goes through when they undergo esophageal manometry as well as 24 hour multi-channel pH and impedance testing. This test is often ordered when a patient is suspected to be suffering from reflux , whether acid or non-acid , or is possibly suffering from abnormal muscle activity of the esophagus. Symptoms that a patient may experience that may lead to such testing include: - phlegmy throat - lump sensation in the throat - chr…

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