BOTOX ® (Botulinum toxin) is most commonly used for cosmetic reasons to approve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the mouth on adults.? However, BOTOX ® had been, and continues to be, used for medicinal purposes long before its cosmetic use. There are a number of medical conditions in which BOTOX ® is used to treat the symptoms and condition.
Muscle Spasms
Since BOTOX ® essentially paralyzes the muscle, it has been used to treat muscle spasms as well. BOTOX ® helps by preventing spastic muscles from receiving abnormal and irregular signals from nerves, which weakens muscle contractions. It is also used to treat muscle spasms associated with mutliple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injuries, and strokes.?
Cervical Dystonia
BOTOX ® has been used to treat cervical dystonia, which are muscle spasms in the neck that can result in a person developing an abnormal head position called spasmodic torticollis.
Eye Conditions
BOTOX ® is used to treat the eye condition blepharospasm.?
Headaches and Migraines
BOTOX ® has been used to treat headaches and migraines, especially in adolescents.
When Not to Get BOTOX ®
There are a number of situations and conditions in which a person may not be a good candidate for the use of BOTOX ® . Since there is limited data available with the effects of BOTOX ® and pregnancy and breastfeeding, patients are urged to speak with their doctor before using BOTOX ® .?
Those people that have a history of swallowing problems should discuss its use with their doctor as it places them at a greater risk of developing more severe swallowing problems.?
Finally, people that have been infected with the toxin called clostridium botulinum may not be a good candidate for BOTOX ® .?
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