Botox: Not Just for Lines and Wrinkles

Did you know Botox was originally used to target medical problems before its popularity in cosmetics? The benefits of Botox injections go far beyond smoothing lines and wrinkles. Botox is currently approved for 9 medical conditions and several cosmetic ones. In fact, the company that owns Botox currently holds about 800 patents for potential uses of the drug. Here is a list of some of the approved applications of medical Botox we can help with here at Progressive Rehabilitation Medicine.

Cervical Dystonia

In 2000, the FDA approved Botox to decrease the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain associated with cervical dystonia (CD; also known as spasmodic torticollis). This was even before Botox was approved for frown lines between the eyebrows in 2002.

Eyelid Spasms and Crossed Eyes

Botox treatment for crossed eyes was one of the first FDA-approved medical uses for Botox. Crossed eyes (strabismus) affects about 4% of the population. Botox is also FDA approved to treat blepharospasm (eyelid spasms).

Excessive Sweating

In 2004, the FDA approved the use of Botox to treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).  This can be used for underarm, hand and feet sweat.

Migraines

People who suffer from chronic migraine headaches often experience over 14 headache days in a month. The FDA approved the use of Botox for this disorder in 2010.

Upper Limb Spasticity

Upper limb spasticity commonly occurs in the flexor muscles of the elbow, wrist, and fingers and is seen patients with stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury.  The FDA approved the use of Botox as a treatment option for upper limb spasticity in 2010.

Once you receive Botox neurotoxin treatment, you’ll start to feel the benefits soon, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks after receiving Botox. This relief may last for up to 3 months.  Botox injections are not performed more frequently than 3 months apart in order to avoid the body’s natural tendency to develop antibodies which can make you resistant to future treatments.

Do you think you could benefit from a Botox medical injection? Give us a call today and schedule an appointment! 319-774-8143