Botox injection therapy is a treatment that is used for neuromuscular disorders such as dystonia. Dystonia is a condition whereby the muscles produce involuntary contractions or spasms.
Treating certain types of dystonia with Botox injection therapy has been proven effective and safe. The same toxin that is used to treat wrinkles and age spots has medicinal properties that can temporarily suppress the muscle contractions in specific parts of the body.
Botox is derived from botulinum toxin-A, the bacteria that causes botulism or food poisoning. In small doses, botulinum toxin-A is beneficial for treating cases of dystonia and other related conditions.
The different types of Dystonia that Botox Injection Therapy can effectively treat
Blepharospasm - the forceful, involuntary shutting of the eyelids
Strabismus - misaligned eyes or "lazy eyes"
Hemifacial Spasm - one-sided, sudden contraction of facial muscles
Cervical Dystonia or Spasmodic Torticollis - neck muscle spasm which causes the head to turn forward, backward or sideways
Urinary retention - severe incapacity to urinate which entail catheterization
Oromandibular Dystonia - incessant spasms of the neck, face, jaw, larynx, tongue and respiratory system [in severe cases]
Stuttering - word repetition, prolonged sounds or long pauses
Treating dystonia with Botox injection therapy does not offer permanent relief. Usually, Botox injection therapy lasts for about 4 months and a repeat injection is required to prolong the effects.
Physical therapy is a good way to help ease the condition while treating patients with Botox injection therapy. Some patients find this treatment useless after a few sessions due to presence of antibodies that have developed over time.
Botox injection therapy is effective and safe. Temporary weakness, ptosis or drooping eyelids, flu-like symptoms and headaches are the most common side effects of Botox injection therapy. Rarely there are side effects that be felt after the treatment, but usually they fade in no time.
A Botox injection therapy can be performed in several ways. Although they all come in injectable forms, they are administered over different sites in the body. The Botox sites are usually dependent on your existing condition. Before having the therapy, you need to visit your doctors first. They can provide the exact information for your Botox needs.
Botox Injection Therapy For Strabismus
Visiting an ophthalmologist is the first thing you have to do. The doctor will diagnose the problem and will plan a treatment for your condition. If you do not wish to undergo surgery, the doctor would most likely recommend Botox. The physician will assess your need for the therapy and will thus make a schedule for a Botox procedure.
Before the procedure starts, anesthesia is given in the form of eye drops. This will allow the surgeon to retract the eyes without causing pain.
The patient is then connected to an electomyogram, a device that will point the proper site for the injection.
Once the surgeon spots the right site, a small dosage of the solution will be injected to the muscle.
After one to four days, changes can be seen on the eyes. Others have to wait for a couple of days before seeing any effects.
Because Botox causes temporary effects, the procedure has to be repeated every 3 months or so. Some patients may be completely cured after successive treatments. It is important to remember that the Botox effects are different for various individuals.
Botox Injection Therapy For Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Look for a licensed Botox practitioner who can do the job safely on you. The Botox therapist will evaluate your need for the procedure.
Aside from Botox therapy, there are other ways to treat fine lines and wrinkles. There is glycolic peel, brow lift, or fillers which can work effectively with Botox.
Schedule the therapy with your Botox practitioners. Be sure to do it on a less stressful day. Having Botox therapies on weekends is recommended so your skin can have much time to recover.
After the Botox procedure, be sure to follow the instructions that the physician gave you. Using ice packs may be necessary to avoid bruising. Bending over after the procedure should also be avoided.
Lastly, return to the doctor's clinic on a regular basis. Usually, the Botox procedure for wrinkles is performed every three months. At times, the toxin may wear off easily which may require you to have a Botox treatment earlier than expected.
Botox Injection Therapy For Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia is another medical condition that can be treated with Botox. Like the other procedures, you need to find the right therapist who can perform the procedure correctly on you.
Before even subjecting to a treatment, you must be diagnosed by a doctor first. If cervical dystonia is confirmed, the doctor can schedule a Botox therapy to treat the disorder.
An electromyogram is needed to test nerve function. The doctor will know where to inject the toxin through this procedure.
Generally, 2 to 6 muscles are injected with the toxin. A local anesthetic may be given to lessen the pain during the injections.
The effects will be seen seven days after the Botox therapy. The duration of effect can last up to 6 months. And because Botox causes only temporary effects, you need to be re-treated with the toxin every four to six months from the last Botox therapy.
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