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Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX™)
is a naturally
occurring protein produced by a bacterium. It is one of the first
substances used in biological warfare. It was used on the tips of
arrows by many natives of different countries to bring down their
prey. It would paralyze the prey because of its ability to inhibit
the release of a substance called acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine
helps transfer the electrical impulse from the nerves to
the
muscles. Without acetylcholine no electrical impulse to a
muscle occurs and
then there is no spasticity or motion. The
animal drops down.
Today, we have purified the substance and
can use botulinum toxin in more
constructive ways in medicine.
Botox has been licensed for medical use since
1989. Almost any
time that there is a spasm of muscles Botox can be used to
solve
that spasm- at least on a temporary basis. In addition, if you have
a
problem with facial line or excessive sweating then Botox also
can be used
quite successfully.
A partial listing of
proven uses with Botulinum toxin include the
following:
٭٭blepharospasm
or forceful and involuntary closure of the
eyelids
**strabismus or
squinting/misalignment of the eyes of various
types
** hemifacial spasm or
sudden contraction of the muscles on one
side
of the face
**spasmodic
torticollis, wry neck, cervical dystonia- muscle spasm
in
the neck that creates either forward, backward,
or sidebending of the
neck.
**urinary retention or severe inability to urinate that
requires
catheterization
**voice
tremor or quavering
vocalization
**oromandibular
dystonias or continuous spasms of the face,
jaw,
neck, tongue, and some other
parts
**headaches
٭٭other selected
problems as medically determined such as
softening
of facial wrinkles
It is a safe and effective injection
technique. The results usually can be
seen in about fifteen
minutes and last for several months, on average. Then,
the
procedure may have to be repeated.
Hyperhidrosis or excessive
sweating is a rare condition. Those patients who
have this
condition frequently have excessive sweating of the hands, feet
or
merely in the underarm area. The condition creates much more
problems than
mere sweating. A study done in 2001[Nauman et al,
2001] reported greater
than 50% decrease in sweating with Botox
usage.
Adverse reactions to Botox are relatively uncommon.
They may include
localized pain from the injection, some
tenderness and bruising also from
the injection and occasional
temporary weakness.
Take advantage of this simple technique,
which can give so much relief! It
is not for everyone.
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