Approved Indications for Botox

The primary advantage of Botox injections is their power to diminish facial wrinkles. They are also used in the treatment of disorders such as hyperhidrosis (causes excessive sweating), cervical dystonia (causes neck spasms), and lazy eyes. Botox injections may also aid in preventing recurring migraines.

How Botox Works

OnobotulinumtoxinA is the toxin used in Botox injections. It works by temporarily paralyzing a muscle. This toxin is produced by a type of bacteria that causes botulism, a kind of food poisoning. Botox is the first medication to use the botulinum toxin.

Botox injections stop particular chemical nerve signals from bringing about muscle contraction. These injections are often used to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Moreover, diseases that impact the way the body operates are treated with Botox injections.

The Procedure

A thin needle is used to inject the botulinum toxin into the muscle or skin. This is done in small amounts. The number of injections required will depend on a range of factors, including the size of the area being treated. You should not massage or rub the area that is treated for at least 24 hours. This should be done to prevent the spread of the toxin to other areas.

Approved Indications

Thanks to being around for years, Botox injections are considered to be relatively safe. This is provided the injections are administered by a trained and experienced doctor. Here are some approved Botox indications.

Frown Lines

These are vertical lines that form between the eyebrows. Botox gained popularity after it was found that the toxin was very effective in treating frown lines. When injected between the eyebrows, Botox inhibits the ability to frown, thus eliminating frown lines. A large clinical trial of 405 patients showed that 80% of the participants had an improvement from using Botox to treat frown lines within a week after getting the injections. The glabellar lines were improved a lot more or were non-existent after just 30 days. The improvements were evident 4 months after the first treatment. In 2006, Health Canada approved the use of Botox Cosmetic to treat upper facial rhytides. This includes the forehead as well as lateral canthus lines.

Crossed Eyes

Long before doctors found that Botox could be used in cosmetics, it was used back in 1980 to treat strabismus. Strabismus is the condition where the eyes don't line up. The condition is caused by weakened eye muscles. During treatment, Botox is injected into an overactive muscle. This helps rebalance strength and subsequently realign the eyes. The results last for at least 3 months. The treatment is safe for children and infants. The use of Botox in the treatment of crossed eyes for adults was approved by the FDA back in 1989. Health Canada approved it in 1990.

Eye and Facial Spasms

The injection of Botox helps relieve twitching or contracture of the muscles situated around your eyes. This makes the treatment effective in treating blepharospasm. This is a condition that relates to abnormal and uncontrolled contraction of muscles around the eyes. This condition causes issues like the inability to keep an eye open for long, twitching and eyelid tics. Studies show about 90% of patients with this condition get complete relief from Botox injections. The results last 3 to 4 months.

Another condition treated using Botox is Hemifacial spasm. This is a condition where there are involuntary contractions of muscles on one side of the face. Botox is used primarily to treat this condition. It is found to be effective 95% of the time.

Wry Neck

Also known as cervical dystonia or spasmodic torticollis, a wry neck is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily, thus causing abnormal neck and head movement, such as the neck twisting to one side. Pinched nerves or muscle spasms in the neck may lead to considerable discomfort and pain. The condition has been treated using Botox injections since 1985. Botox is injected into the affected muscles to reduce uncontrollable movements. The injections relieve pain in 70% of patients with a wry neck.

Foot Deformity

Botox injections are used in treating equinus foot in children. This is a deformity that is associated with cerebral palsy. It usually results in stiff and spastic muscles. In serious cases, a child may be unable to control movements or walk. Botox works by relaxing the spastic muscle. It also improves balance and, subsequently, the ability of a patient to walk. When injected, the drug stops the hyperactive muscles from tensing as well as reduces the stiffness of muscles. As a result, the muscles can be stretched, and normal growth can be achieved. Injections are needed once the toxin wears off. This is usually after 3 to 6 months.

Spasticity

in 2001, Health Canada approved the use of Botox injections to treat spasticity that results after a stroke. This is a condition in which muscles fail to respond to signals that come from the central nervous system. As a result, the muscles fail to relax and remain contracted. Common post-stroke spasticity includes a bent elbow, a clenched fist, an arm pressed against the chest, and a flexed wrist.

When it is injected, Botox helps relax the muscles, thus reducing spasticity. The effects of Botox were examined in a study group of 126 patients. It was found that Botox was more effective on patients than non-drug injections (placebo). The injections reduced the disability for three months after a single treatment.

Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that causes excessive sweating. It can affect any part of the body, including the palms, soles of the feet, face and underarms. Botox is used to block the release of acetylcholine. This is what activates sweat glands. Treating hyperhidrosis with Botox is recommended because it is more effective and has fewer risks than other treatments, such as axillary hyperhidrosis.