BOTOX® Botulin toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the most poisonous naturally occurring substance in the world. Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. It is sold commercially under the brand name BOTOX.
The term BOTOX is a trade name and is not used generically to describe the neurotoxins produced by Clostridia species. Besides the various cosmetic uses for BOTOX, it is also used for the treatment of various ailments that affect many people all around the world.
Besides the use as a cosmetic application, Botox is used in the treatment of:
* Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck)
* Blepharospasm (excessive blinking)
* Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
* Achalasia (failure of the lower oesophageal sphincter to relax)
* Local intradermal injection of BTX-A is helpful in chronic focal painful neuropathies. The analgesic effects are not dependent on changes in muscle tone.
* Migraine and other headache disorders, although the evidence is conflicting in this indication
Other uses of botulinum toxin type A that are widely known but not specifically approved by FDA include treatment of:
* Pediatric incontinence, incontinence due to overactive bladder, and incontinence due to neurogenic bladder.
* Anal fissure
* Spastic disorders associated with injury or disease of the central nervous system including trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or cerebral palsy
* Focal dystonias affecting the limbs, face, jaw, or vocal cords
* TMJ pain disorders
* Diabetic neuropathy
* Wound healing
* Excessive salivation
* VCD Vocal cord dysfunction a spasming of the vocal cords
* Reduction of the Masseter muscle for decreasing the size of the lower jaw
If you are interested in exploring how a BOTOX injection(s) can be of benefit to you, we suggest you click on one or more of the links below to connect with a qualified cosmetic plastic surgeon, dermatologist, and/or BOTOX injection specialist about your situation in more detail…
