Injectable Therapies for Neurological Conditions

Injectable Therapies for Neurological Conditions

Melbourne NeuroCare provides specialist injectable therapies administered by experienced movement disorder neurologists. These targeted treatments are used to manage a range of neurological conditions involving overactive muscles, involuntary movement, pain, stiffness, or functional impairment.

Injectable therapy works by temporarily reducing excessive muscle activity at the treatment site. This can provide targeted symptom relief without surgery and may help improve comfort, movement, function, and day-to-day quality of life.

Our neurologists are formally trained in the use of injectable therapies and will develop an individual treatment plan based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment goals.

Conditions We Treat with Injectable Therapy

  • Chronic migraine where other preventive treatments have not been effective
  • Cervical dystonia
  • Hemifacial spasm
  • Blepharospasm
  • Spasticity following stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy
  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
  • Sialorrhea (excessive drooling or salivation)
  • TMJ dysfunction and bruxism
  • Cerebral palsy-related spasticity
  • Selected limb and head tremors


If you are experiencing symptoms linked to any of these conditions, our specialists can assess whether injectable therapy may be appropriate for you.

How Injectable Therapy Works

Injectable therapy works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that signals muscles to contract. When it is administered into an affected muscle, it temporarily reduces overactivity in that area.

This can help relieve symptoms such as:

  • Muscle spasm
  • Pain
  • Abnormal posture
  • Involuntary movement
  • Stiffness
  • Functional limitation


The effects are localised to the treatment area and do not cause permanent changes to muscle function. As the effect gradually wears off, the muscle returns to its previous level of activity and repeat treatment may be considered where clinically appropriate.

Chronic Migraine Treatment

Chronic migraine is generally defined as experiencing 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 of those being migraines, for 6 months or longer.

For eligible patients, injectable therapy for chronic migraine is available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Treatment involves a series of small injections across specific points on the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck, and shoulders.

The procedure is performed as an outpatient appointment and usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

PBS eligibility may include:

  • Headaches present on average 15 or more days per month, with at least 8 being migraines, over 6 months
  • At least three preventive medications trialled without adequate benefit or due to poor tolerance
  • Attempts made to reduce acute medication overuse
  • Ongoing treatment only where there is meaningful improvement after initial treatment cycles


Your neurologist can confirm whether you meet current clinical and PBS criteria.

Dystonia and Movement Disorders

Dystonia is a neurological condition that causes sustained or intermittent muscle contractions. These contractions can result in abnormal postures, repetitive movements, discomfort, or tremor.

Injectable therapy is considered a first-line treatment for several focal dystonias, including:

  • Cervical dystonia: involuntary contraction of neck and shoulder muscles
  • Blepharospasm: involuntary forceful eyelid closure
  • Hemifacial spasm: twitching on one side of the face
  • Oromandibular dystonia: involuntary contractions affecting the jaw, tongue, or lower face


Treatment involves precise injections into the affected muscles based on clinical assessment. The aim is to reduce overactive muscle contractions while preserving as much normal function as possible.

Spasticity Management

Spasticity refers to increased muscle tone and stiffness that may develop after conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy.

It can affect mobility, cause pain, interfere with rehabilitation, and make daily activities more difficult.

Injectable therapy can be used to target specific muscle groups contributing to stiffness and abnormal muscle tone. This may help improve range of motion, reduce discomfort, and support broader rehabilitation goals. In many cases, treatment is used alongside physiotherapy or other therapies.

Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond what is needed for normal temperature regulation. It commonly affects the underarms, palms, soles, and face.

When topical treatments have not been effective, injectable therapy may be used to temporarily block the nerve signals that activate sweat glands.

Depending on the treatment area, the effects may last from approximately 3 to 9 months. Repeat treatment can be considered if symptoms return.

What to Expect

Before treatment

You will have a consultation with your neurologist to review your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, and goals. Your neurologist will determine whether injectable therapy is appropriate for your condition.

During treatment

  1. Cleaning the treatment area with antiseptic
  2. Applying local anaesthetic if needed
  3. Administering treatment with a very fine needle into the targeted muscles
  4. Monitoring the treatment area as required


Treatment time typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.

After treatment

Most patients are able to return to normal activities soon after their appointment. Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site may occur, but these effects are usually temporary and settle within a few days.

Results and Ongoing Treatment

Many patients begin to notice improvement within several days, with the full effect usually developing over 1 to 2 weeks.

The therapeutic benefit generally lasts around 3 months, although this can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual response.

Injectable therapy is usually an ongoing treatment rather than a one-off procedure. Your neurologist will review your response over time and adjust your treatment plan where needed.

Benefits of Injectable Therapy

  • Targeted treatment of specific muscles causing symptoms
  • Minimally invasive treatment without surgery
  • Short outpatient procedure
  • No general anaesthetic required
  • Repeatable and adjustable over time
  • Can be integrated with broader rehabilitation or symptom management plans

Risks and Side Effects

As with any injection-based treatment, side effects can occur. These are usually mild and temporary.

Possible side effects may include:

  • Mild pain or tenderness at the injection site
  • Bruising or swelling
  • Temporary muscle weakness near the treated area
  • Neck pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Temporary drooping of the eyelid for some facial treatments


You should contact your treating team promptly if you experience severe pain, fever, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulties, or any other concerning symptoms after treatment.

Why Choose Melbourne NeuroCare

Melbourne NeuroCare provides specialist neurological care through experienced movement disorder neurologists with formal training in injectable therapies. We take an individualised, medically led approach to treatment planning, with care tailored to the patient’s underlying condition, symptoms, and functional goals.

With clinics in Richmond, Noble Park, Huntingdale, and Elsternwick, we provide access to specialist treatment across Melbourne.

Book an Appointment

If you are living with chronic migraine, dystonia, spasticity, excessive sweating, facial spasm, or another condition that may respond to injectable therapy, Melbourne NeuroCare can assess whether this treatment is suitable for you.

Call Melbourne NeuroCare on 1300 080 784 to book a consultation or enquire online.

Locations: Richmond | Noble Park | Huntingdale | Elsternwick

Frequently Asked Questions

Injectable therapy may be used to treat chronic migraine, cervical dystonia, hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, spasticity, hyperhidrosis, sialorrhea, TMJ dysfunction and bruxism, cerebral palsy-related spasticity, and selected limb or head tremors.

Injectable therapy works by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that signals muscles to contract. This temporarily reduces overactivity in the targeted muscle or treatment area.

Most appointments take between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Chronic migraine treatment usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

For many neurological conditions, the effect lasts around 3 months. In hyperhidrosis treatment, results may last between 3 and 9 months depending on the area treated.

Some patients notice improvement within a few days, with the full effect usually developing over 1 to 2 weeks.

No. Injectable therapy is temporary. The effect gradually wears off over time, and repeat treatment may be recommended if clinically appropriate.

In most cases, yes. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities soon after treatment.

Injectable therapy for chronic migraine may be available on the PBS for eligible patients. Your neurologist can assess whether you meet the current clinical and PBS criteria.

Possible side effects include mild pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, temporary weakness near the treatment area, dry mouth, neck pain, or temporary eyelid drooping in some facial treatments. These effects are usually mild and short-lived.

Yes. A specialist neurological assessment is required to confirm your diagnosis, review your symptoms and treatment history, and determine whether injectable therapy is appropriate for you.

Book an appointment

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our expert neurologists, other specialists, or allied health professionals. Your well-being is our highest priority, and we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible results.