3 Surprising Ways Botox is Used
Most of us think of Botox (botulinum toxin) as a popular esthetic treatment to reduce facial wrinkles. What you may not know is that Botox has been known for over a century and used medically for more than 50 years to treat conditions that have nothing to do with wrinkles.
In fact, botulinum toxin has been approved by the FDA for 20 different clinical purposes, with more applications under investigation.
Botox is essentially a nerve impulse blocker. It attaches to nerve endings and prevents the release of chemical transmitters, which activate muscles. Botox’s ability to relax muscles makes it a very useful treatment. Here are three applications that may surprise you!
- Eye Muscle Disorders
Botox is used to treat eye disorders such as crossed eyes (strabismus), uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm), lazy eye, eye squints and eye twitching. When Botox is injected directly into the eye muscle, it relaxes the muscle and can cause the eye to refocus. In the U.S., Botox is approved to treat muscle spasms in the eyelids AND the face, neck, shoulders and upper body.
Injections are typically repeated every 3 to 4 months, with longer efficacy after multiple treatments.
- Chronic Migraines
Migraines are characterized by intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. If you experience migraines more than 15 days a month, Botox injections may help reduce headache frequency and can be effective in preventing migraines. Botox has been FDA approved for this purpose since 2010. For chronic migraines, Botox is injected every 12 weeks around the head and neck.
- Bladder Dysfunction
According to a Duke University School of Medicine study, the uncontrollable urge to urinate affects 17 percent of women over age 45 and 25 percent of women over age 75. A recent study of 381 women in a Duke study showed that regular Botox injections worked better than a surgically implanted nerve stimulator to treat women with severe incontinence. Botox injections can also help reduce urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder.
Select your doctor carefully
Botox is a powerful bacterial toxin that must be used under a doctor or specialist’s care. Botox injections can be dangerous if administered incorrectly. I always recommend consulting with a skilled, certified doctor who has experience administering Botox. He/she can evaluate your condition and determine if Botox is best suited to your needs and health.
If you are considering Botox, check out these frequently asked questions:
When you are ready, Book a complimentary, no obligation appointment with me. I can assess your condition and recommend the best treatment.