When you hear the word “Botox,” your mind might immediately go to cosmetic treatments. That makes sense—doctors around the world administer millions of Botox procedures for cosmetic purposes every year. But Botox has many uses beyond cosmetics, many of which are approved as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration. Botox involves an injection of a type of bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. Although this bacterium is toxic in large doses, small doses are just enough to block nerve signals from sending out acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes your muscles to contract. When this happens, your muscles can become temporarily paralyzed or weakened. This muscle paralysis is what smooths out the skin to diminish those fine lines and wrinkles when Botox is administered for cosmetic purposes. But doctors also use this muscle paralysis to treat:
Muscle Spasms: Spasms happen when your muscles contract in an uncontrolled way. Botox can relax these muscles and prevent the uncontrolled contractions, which is especially helpful for patients with cerebral palsy and other conditions of the nervous system.
Lazy or Crossed Eyes: This was the original intended use of Botox before research showed that this process of relaxing muscles could be beneficial in other ways. A lazy eye happens when the muscles controlling your eye movement is imbalanced. By weakening specific muscles that control eye movements, Botox can bring your eye movement back into alignment.
Migraines: These severe headaches happen when the nerves that send pain signals to your brain become overstimulated. But Botox can prevent these transmitters from reaching your brain, thus reducing the pain you experience. Botox can be an option for patients who suffer from chronic migraines—that is, somebody who experiences 15 headaches per month, with eight or more of them being migraines.
Sweating: If you suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis, your sweat gland can be overstimulated and might produce sweat even when you aren’t overheated or exerting yourself. Botox blocks the nerve signals that stimulate your sweat glands, thus reducing the amount you sweat. This can be administered not only in your underarms but also on the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, or other parts of your body that are prone to sweat.
These are only four of many ways Botox can be used to improve your health and quality of life, but it’s important to note that no matter how Botox is being used, its effects are only temporary. Many patients will have to receive Botox injections every three to six months to maintain their effect. Do your research and find a licensed health practitioner who will safely administer Botox using proper procedure in a safe environment.
