Botox is not simply a popular wrinkle reducer. Emerging data demonstrates Botox’s efficacy in treating myriad medical problems with low doses of injectable, purified botulinum toxin. Whereas Botox’s use in cosmetic treatments to address crow’s feet, forehead and lip lines, drooping eyebrows, chin dimpling, and jowl grooves is well documented, treatment has proven successful for many other serious medical conditions.
Headaches
Botox has demonstrated success in preventing headaches in adults who suffer from chronic migraines and is usually considered if other, more traditional, treatments are ineffective, ill-tolerated, or cause too many negative side effects.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Botox has been effective in inhibiting brain signals to sweat glands to reduce excessive perspiration, with the results lasting up to eight months. Injections are usually given in affected areas such the hands, feet, armpits, or face.
Urinary Incontinence and Overactive Bladder
Affecting up to 20 percent of adults—primarily females over 40 years of age—urination frequency, incontinence, and night waking to use the bathroom (nocturia) are the primary symptoms of overactive bladder. Several published studies report that Botox injections into the bladder wall are an effective treatment for overactive bladder, especially when other treatments have been unsuccessful. Benefits typically last for six months.
Muscle Spasms and Essential Tremor
Botulinum toxin injections have shown relief by decreasing muscle spasticity related to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Similarly, essential tremor is a nerve disorder that results in uncontrollable tremors in various areas of the body. Botox has proven particularly efficacious in treating head and vocal tremors.
Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy affects facial nerves, causing one side of a person’s face to droop. Whereas some cases of Bell’s palsy rectify themselves after a few months, long-time sufferers have found relief with Botox injections which relax tightened muscles and reduce unwanted twitching or tremors.
Eye Conditions
Botox injected into eye muscles has successfully treated strabismus, or crossed eyes/squint, by relaxing the muscles and letting the eyes realign themselves. Similarly, botulinum toxin injections into the upper eyelid have proven effective in relieving spasms associated with uncontrollable blinking or eye twitching.
For more information about the medical benefits of Botox treatment and whether it may be right for you, the Dr. Weinman at FirstCare Medical Center can answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
