The Effects of Botox Injections
Botox is a household name now, associated with smoothing facial muscles and wrinkles through paralysis. It is generally associated with cosmetic procedures. However, Botox is used in treatment of medical conditions as mild as excessive sweating to conditions as serious as dystonia. Botox does wear off over time, making the need to have repetitive injections necessary for further correction of cosmetic or medical conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Medical Effects
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The brand name Botox refers to a toxin derived from Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria usually associated with food poisoning. In large doses the toxin causes paralysis. However, when it is used for cosmetic purposes it is diluted and becomes harmless to the patient. Botox works by blocking transmissions from the nerves to the muscles by impairing the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are responsible for relaying these signals between the muscles and nerves. This causes muscles to relax and gives the face a smoother appearance with less visible lines and wrinkles by minimally paralyzing muscles.
Positive Effects
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Botox is widely known for smoothing facial muscles. However, Botox's numbing and paralyzing properties are used to treat other conditions as well. Botox is used to treat spasms in eye muscles, involuntary blinking and conditions where the eyes do not point in the same direction. It also helps those suffering from cervical dystonia. Dystonia is a condition in which someone experiences extreme tremors or spasms in the neck. Botox works to temporarily treat this condition by paralyzing the muscles in the neck that are spasming. Benefits from Botox treatment for this condition can be seen within two to six weeks. Botox also treats severe underarm sweating known as hyperhidrosis. Botox does this by binding to the nerves that control sweating. The benefits of this procedure last from six to 12 months.
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Negative Effects
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Botox does have negative side effects ranging from minor to moderate health problems. None of the side effects are fatal, but some may require medical treatment. Bruising at the injection site is the most frequent ailment following a Botox injection. There are other common side effects such as headache or migraine, respiratory infections, drooping of the eyelid, nausea and flu-like symptoms. There is an unsettling effect that includes temporary paralysis. Since Botox works by paralyzing muscles, this paralysis may also affect nearby muscles temporarily. Other side effects are pain in the face, reddening of skin at the injection site, and weakness in the facial muscles. These reactions usually last around roughly one week after injection.
Drug Interaction Effects
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Side effects can occur with Botox. Since it remains in the body for six months, it can interact with other drugs patients are taking. Patients should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking before receiving Botox injections. Medications that can be dangerous when mixed with Botox include antibiotics used to treat infections such as gentamicin, tobramycin, clindamycin or lincomycin, medications used for heart arrhythmias such as quinidine, and drugs for other conditions such as myasthenia gravis, ALS, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, heart disease or Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusion
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Botox use has evolved over the years, making it basically harmless with minimal side effects. Doctors are trained to use it responsibly both in medical and cosmetic procedures. Very few people experience serious or life-threatening reactions. Allergic responses to Botox are also rare. Botox's effects are also temporary. With time, Botox's effectiveness in the treatment of many procedures will most likely grow as doctors use it in new procedures in the medical and cosmetic world.
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