Ankara University Hospital: 16 Botox Patients Admitted to Intensive Care in 3 Months

Ankara University Hospital's Neurology Clinic announced that all 16 patients who presented with toxin poisoning following botox application over the past three months were admitted to the ward; some patients were placed on ventilators, and three are receiving treatment in intensive care.

Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ebru Apaydın Doğan noted that they observed speech difficulties, swallowing problems, breathing difficulties, and severe muscle weakness in the patients who visited the clinic. Seven patients admitted over the past week have been reported to relevant authorities as criminal cases; investigators are looking into where and by whom the botox procedure was performed.

One of the patients undergoing treatment described their visit to the clinic as follows: About 20 days ago, they visited a clinic for botox; a few days later, their eyelid drooped, followed by swallowing difficulties. They reported that the procedure was performed by a clinic secretary rather than a doctor.

Botulinum toxin poisoning triggered by unqualified applications has appeared more frequently on Turkey's health agenda in recent years as the number of unregulated cosmetic clinics increases. Ankara University Hospital reiterated its call for new patients presenting with similar complaints to document the location where the procedure was performed.