Intriguing Medical Uses for Botox
Botox is commonly known for its effectiveness in treating wrinkles, but you may be surprised to learn that medical professionals have many other intriguing uses for Botox. Aside from cosmetic applications, Botox can be used to treat eye problems, upper limb spasticity problems, problems associated with cervical dystonia, chronic headaches and even incontinence.
Eye Problems
Strabismus, also called squint, is an eye muscle problem that occurs when there is a lack of muscle coordination in the muscles around the eyeballs. It is common for one of the eye’s other muscles to become stronger than the failing muscle. This causes the eyeball to pull to the right or to the left. This eye muscle issue can lead to double vision and blurry vision. Special eyeglasses can correct mild strabismus, but surgery is needed in more severe cases. However, a simple treatment of Botox can be used to paralyse the muscles around the eyeball which can realign the eyeball.
Doctors can also use Botox to treat another eye condition called blepharospasm, a muscle disorder that causes its sufferers to have involuntary spasms of the eye muscles. The spasms cause eye twitching, excessive blinking and impaired vision. Botox can be used to relax the muscles to stop the muscle spasms.
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia causes the muscles around the spine and neck to spasm. This can be awkward and painful. Individuals with cervical dysplasia are often forced to position their heads in ways that make it uncomfortable or impossible to drive, read or perform other daily activities. Botox can be used to paralyze the problematic muscles. This reduces the pain associated with unpredictable head and neck movements caused by cervical dysplasia.
Chronic Migraines
Another interesting medical use for Botox is to treat chronic migraines. Individuals who have chronic migraines are often debilitated for several hours or even days when they have these serious headaches. Several Botox treatments over the period of about a year may reduce or eliminate migraine headaches. Botox may also be helpful in treating tension headaches that are caused by muscle spasms.
Urinary Incontinence
Perhaps the most intriguing use of Botox is to treat urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence occurs when muscles in the bladder spasm uncontrollably. A botox treatment, which is effective for up to one year, prevents these uncontrollable bladder muscles spasms.
Upper Limb Spasticity
Upper limb spasticity in the elbows, wrists and fingers can be effectively treated with Botox treatments. Studies have shown a significant improvement in patients’ flexor tone after receiving Botox treatments. Individuals who suffer from upper limb spasticity now have a simple treatment option to decrease muscle stiffness.
It is important to note that some Botox treatments are covered by insurance companies, while other treatments that are not approved by the FDA are typically not covered by insurance plans.
Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher working out of the great state of Texas. He has been writing about this subject for several years, and he finds that a great resource is the website at fourpointsdermatology.com.