Botox
BOTOX® is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings (nerves that lead to muscles). It is in a class of drugs called neurotoxins. When considering neurotoxin therapy, it is important to understand how the product works, the history of its use in patients, its protein content, and possible side effects. This page is designed to help you understand more about BOTOX®: what it is, how it works, and how it can help you.
- Blepharospasm - BOTOX® is indicated for the treatment of blepharospasm associated with dystonia, including benign essential blepharospasm or VII nerve disorders in patients 12 years of age and above.
- Strabismus - BOTOX® is indicated for the treatment of strabismus in adults.
- Cervical Dystonia - In 2000, the FDA approved BOTOX® for the treatment of CD in adults to decrease the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain associated with CD.
- Hyperhydrosis - (excessive sweating) of the Palms and Arm Pits
- Upper Limb Spasticity - Hemifacial Spasms or 7th cranial nerve disorders, e.g. post Bell's Palsy.
- Hemifacial Spasm
- TMJ Syndrome
- Tension and Migraine Headaches
- Muscle Spasticity due to Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and Trauma
- Essential Tremor of the Head or Hand
- Muscular Pain due to Fibromyalgia, and Cervical and Lumbar Sprains/Strains
- Essential Tremor of the Head or Hand
- Writer's or Occupational Hand Cramping
- Excessive Drooling in Parkinson's Disease
- Spasticity due to stroke or trauma to the brain or spinal cord
- Oral Mandibular Dystonia ( A condition similar to TMJ Syndrome)
- Facial Tics including Tourette's Syndrome tics
- Headaches - Migraine or Muscle Contraction Headaches
- Writer's Cramp- also known as Task Specific Dystonia
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Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a disorder of the muscles that control eyelid movement. Spasms of the eyelid lead to frequent blinking. Blepharospasm often affects both eyelids, making it difficult to open the eyelids. In severe cases, this debilitating condition can lead to what is known as "functional blindness" because the patient is unable to open or keep open the eyelids for any significant period of time.
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Strabismus
Strabismus, also known as crossed eyes, is a disorder in which eyes are misaligned. In adults, strabismus can occur gradually or rapidly. Gradual onset is usually the result of movement of the eye due to loss of muscle tone. Rapid onset, on the other hand, may be an indication of significant head trauma or serious systemic illness.
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Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia (CD), also known as spasmodic torticollis, belongs to a group of disorders known as focal dystonias. Patients with CD have involuntary contractions of the neck and shoulder muscles that cause the head to twist in abnormal positions.1 Neck muscles may also contract repetitively, producing uncontrollable head movements.
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Cosmetic Uses
Botulinum toxin (Botox) works by weakening the muscles of facial expression which insert on the under surface of facial skin. Once the resting tone of these muscles are weakened, the pull of the muscles relax and the skin flattens out. This is an entirely different approach to treating the aging face. Collagen and fat injections work by filling in a wrinkle. These fillers are not as effective as Botox in improving the frown wrinkles between the eyebrows. By physiologically weakening the muscles, these wrinkles are removed naturally.
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