WATCH: TikToker Gets Partially Paralyzed After Botox Injections, Suffers 'Rare Complication'
A TikTok user with almost 30,000 followers is unable to lift her head and has difficulty swallowing after suffering a "rare complication" from Botox injections.
Alicia Hallock, whose social media handle is @alihallock, first opened up about her "scary" health ordeal in a post on Instagram on Feb. 17.
According to Hallock, she was hospitalized and placed in the ICU shortly after getting Botox injected as a treatment for her migraines.
Describing the "rare complication," the 35-year-old shared that it spread to the muscles in her neck, resulting in "various issues."
Among these were "droopy" eyelids, which in turn caused "significant pressure, blurry vision and dizziness."
Hallock also said that the muscles in her neck are "essentially paralyzed," requiring her to use a neck brace just to keep her head upright and stable.
"Additionally, I've developed dysphagia [difficulty swallowing], which has been the most alarming aspect of this ordeal. There have been moments where I've choked on sips of water and even my saliva," her post read.
Hallock said that the partial paralysis affected her speech as well, causing it to become "slurred and hoarse."
Hallock explained that these symptoms "can take weeks to wear off" but that she was looking forward to being able to see, eat, and drink normally as well as hold up her head unassisted.
Botox injections into the muscles around the face, head, and neck are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for chronic migraines.
The Botox injected interferes with pain-associated neurotransmission.
However, a condition called botulism, which results in progressive muscle paralysis, can occur if the toxin used in the injection spreads to areas beyond the treatment site, the FDA said.
On Feb. 20, Hallock shared a video on TikTok in which she gave an update on her condition and thanked everyone for their support and love.
"I just wanted you to know that I'm doing OK. I'm very grateful for all your prayers, thoughts, and love," she said, slurring her words.
Hallock also removed her neck brace to show how her head "bobble[s] around" without it.
In her TikTok update a week later, however, Hallock spoke more clearly and no longer sported a feeding tube as she shared that she has since received a botulism anti-toxin treatment and made progress in her physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Hallock noted that while she still has a "long road ahead" of her, she's "making baby steps" toward recovery.
She also shared more details about her condition, revealing that she has been receiving Botox injections for her migraine disorder for years but "never had an issue" until her latest one.
Hallock explained that when she got her latest injection, she had a protruding muscle on her neck that was contributing to the migraines, and Botox was injected there to help with the issue.
However, the toxin spread, leading to "life-threatening" issues.
Hallock said she would have to enter a long-term rehabilitation facility once she's released from the ICU to continue her therapies.
Since she began sharing her story, thousands of social media users have sent Hallock prayers and messages of support on Instagram and TikTok.
One Instagram user commented on her post, "Oh my goodness. Praying right now. You are such a warrior and I constantly stand in awe of your courage. Cheering you on and praying."
"Oh my goodness, this is so scary! I had a similar reaction to Botox but not near as severe as what you're experiencing. So sorry you're going through this, prayers sent your way," another wrote.
"You are looking ... better! Praise God for that!" read one comment under a recent TikTok video.
"You already look so much better!!! Thinking of you and wishing you the best!!" another user commented.