Botox isn’t just for the treatment of wrinkles. While it has grown to be the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure performed in the United States, Botox has its roots in treating various medical ailments. Its uses have also only expanded over the years.
Botulinum toxin A, or Botox, is most commonly known for being a popular way to treat wrinkles and frown-lines. Its effects were originally documented in 1989 but Botox was not approved as a cosmetic procedure by the FDA until April 2002, after formal testing was completed. And while many physicians use Botox for aesthetic purposes, more studies are looking to expand its uses in the medical community. As a doctor, it is important for you to stay current on the latest developments involving Botox so that you can provide the best care and treatment options for your patients.
Botox Helps Treat Head and Eye Conditions
Medical uses for Botox trace back to the 1980s when it was used as a therapeutic treatment for those with crossed eyes or uncontrollable blinking. Injections helped alleviate the problem for patients, but the effects of the medicine lasted from just four to six months. This means that those with eyelid spasms required re-injections two to three times a year to help alleviate the issue. By the end of the 1980s Botox was approved by the FDA as a treatment for strabismus, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in patients over 12 years old.
In addition to working wonders on someone’s face both cosmetically and medically, Botox is helping relieve the pain and stress caused by chronic headaches and migraines. This procedure received approval in 2010 by the FDA and involves injecting Botox into the head and neck of the patient to relieve symptoms. Studies showed a slight improvement in incidence of chronic migraines in patients undergoing this treatment.
Treatment for Muscular and Other Bodily Ailments
Over time, Botox has also been used to treat muscular disorders, urinary incontinence, excessive sweating and more. It can be injected in patients suffering from cervical dystonia (CD) in order to help with head tilting, neck pain and spasms. Also, patients with an upper motor neuron syndrome (UMNS) such as cerebral palsy can benefit from Botox since it helps decrease the prevalence and strength of muscle contractions.
Botox is also used for those with excessive underarm sweat by inhibiting the production of sweat. For those with bladder control issues, Botox can be injected into the bladder wall to reduce the number of times patients experience symptoms of having to use the restroom.
Learn More about Botox for Your Practice
Having all of the information and training on the uses for Botox will allow you to provide effective treatments for a variety of ailments. Botox courses are available for doctors and physicians as a way for you to provide practiced techniques learned from professionals in the field. The goal of these Botox training sessions is to give you the real world experience you need in order to safely administer Botox in your practice. You will be able to learn about new variations of the treatment so that you can decide how to incorporate Botox into your treatment options.
About Author: Tamila Brown is a freelance writer interested in health, fitness, and related medical topics. She writes for a variety of businesses looking to expand their online presence through guest blogging. On her free time, Tamila works on her novel-in-progress and cares for her two children
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