Botox treatment, administered through injections by qualified professionals, is approved for disorders such as cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, strabismus, and hyperhidrosis. The active ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin acts by blocking the signals that cause muscle spasms directly in the affected muscles. The resulting relaxation of the muscles provide relief.
In cervical dystonia, also known as spasmodic torticollis, the muscles of the neck go into uncontrollable spasms and force the neck or head into uncomfortable, and often painful, motions and positions. Botox treatment decreases the occurrence of these spasms. The symptoms of cervical dystonia include pain at the neck and shoulders, problems in swallowing, tightness or spasms of the muscles, and tremors. Symptoms can get worse after a period of stress or activity and improve after getting rest.
Blepharospasm is characterized by the involuntary twitching of the muscles around the eyes. It can impair vision because the spasms sometimes force the narrowing or closing of the eyes. The usual symptoms of blepharospasm are sensitivity to light, excessive blinking, soreness or pain in the eyes, uncontrollable twitches of the eye muscles and surrounding facial area, and dry or watering eyes. Botox prevents the twitching of the affected muscles.
Strabismus is the term for the condition in which the eyes are not aligned to each other properly. In this condition, there is no coordination between the muscles that control eye movements. The lack of coordination prevents the eyes from focusing at the same point in space. This in turn affects depth perception because of the lack of proper binocular vision. By relaxing certain muscles that control the eyes, Botox treatment helps correct the condition.
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder in which there is abnormally excessive sweating. The amount of perspiration excreted in hyperhidrosis is far beyond what is required for the regulation of body temperature. The hand, feet, underarms and the groin are the most commonly affected areas but generalized hyperhidrosis, in which the whole body is affected, can also occur. The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is not known, but Botox treatment has been proven to reduce sweating.
Botox is also used to reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. This cosmetic application of Botox is becoming increasingly popular. Though it does not radically change the appearance, a 60 year old individual can not expect to look 30 years younger, for example, there is a high rate of satisfaction among those who have undergone this type of Botox treatment.
Botulinum toxin type A is actually a highly potent poison. Botox should be used with caution because of this. A number of side effects could occur with the administration of Botox for any of the conditions described above. Only a qualified professional should administer any Botox treatment. In addition, Botox injections are not for everyone. There are conditions that preclude the use of Botox.
Botox, Dysport, Myobloc, Neurobloc and Xeomin are brand names under which botulinum toxin type A is marketed for the treatment of neurological conditions. For cosmetic treatment purposes, it is commercially available under the trade names Botox Cosmetic and Vistabel.
