The Medical Applications of Botox

Botox For Sweating
Excessive sweating is an extremely distressing condition for the patient. As well as being uncomfortable, .....

Botox (Botulism toxin Type A) has received a lot of publicity in the media for its effects on frown lines. But the applications of Botox range far beyond its use to reduce wrinkles. Many doctors are now prescribing it for medical conditions, with a lot of research ongoing into new uses for Botox as a medical treatment. Currently, the FDA has only approved Botox for a few of these medical applications but it continues to be prescribed 'off label'.

Botox can be used to treat strabismus (focus problems of the eye) and blepharospasm (eye lid spasms), and has been done so for around 20 years. It is effective in treating strabismus as Botox causes temporary paralysis in a localized area by preventing the transmission of neurotransmitter to the muscles. In strabismus, one muscle is weak so the other muscle over compensates and consequently causes vision problems - Botox paralyzes the over compensating muscle. Multiple Botox injections around the eye can also stop the eye contracting as a result of blepharospasm.

Headaches are one of the most common examples of Botox being used as an 'off label' treatment, as it has not yet received FDA approval. Stress can cause muscles to contract in the forehead, leading to either tension headaches or migraines. The paralyzing effects of Botox prevent the muscle tightness which can trigger the headaches. It has also been suggested that it interferes with the transmission of pain signals. Around 80 percent of patients report a significant decrease in the severity and occurrence of their headaches or migraines.

Botox Cost
Botox has become extremely popular in recent years as both a cosmetic treatment for .....

Hyperhydrosis - or excessive sweating - affects around 2 percent of the population. By injecting it into the infected area, Botox inhibits the release of the chemical which stimulates the sweat glands. Botox has been approved for the treatment of profuse sweating of the arm pits and is an extremely effective treatment option for sufferers. However, it has been found to be less successful in treating other areas of the body. For instance, hyperhidrosis (sweaty palm) sufferers require several painful injections into the palm of the hand but the results can be limited.

Anal fissures are generally the result off too much straining, either during bowel movements or childbirth. The resulting spasms are painful and can interfere with the healing process. Botox paralyzes the muscle and prevent spasms. Repeat treatments are not usually required as the anal fissures should heal. Botox can be preferable to surgery as it does not carry the risk of fecal incontinence, which can sometimes results from surgical procedures. However, there is a lack of conjecture among doctors as to how effective Botox is in treating this area, with the treatment proving ineffective in some patients.

Patients who suffer from spasms can benefit from Botox treatment due to the fact it can prevent muscles from contracting. Common uses include the treatment of cervical dystonia (neck spasms) and Hemifacial spasm (facial spasms).

Treating Eye Disorders With Botox
Although Botox has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity as a cosmetic procedure to eliminate frown lines and wrinkles, its .....

As the results of Botox are only temporary repeat treatments are usually necessary for medical conditions. This varies from patient to patient, but is the gap between treatments usually ranges from 3 to 6 months.