Uses for Botox
Botox is a form of botulinum toxin. It is a poison produced by the bacteria that causes botulism. Botox injections temporarily interrupt nerve signals in muscles and glands, reducing their responses. Botox injections are used cosmetically to eliminate facial lines and wrinkles, but also, for other medical problems like muscle disorders. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially approved botox to treat crossed eyes and eyelid twitching in 1989. Although, botox was developed in the 1970s while doctors searched for a cure for crossed eyes. Researchers speculated that small doses of the nerve poison used on the muscles that pulled the eyes in could treat the disorder. The muscles would relax and the eyes would turn back outward. Once it was tested and proven effective, the drug was named oculinum and approved by the FDA. It was not until the early 1990s that botox became popular as cosmetic therapy.
Cosmetic
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Botox is used as a cosmetic remedy for fine lines, wrinkles and thin lips. It reduces the activity of muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. Botox is injected into the eye brow and forehead to reduce the wrinkles. Botox may be injected into the lips to plump them up and give the appearance of being full. Botox is even being used, now, to lift the brows and shape the eyes.
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Eyes
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Before botox became a cosmetic treatment it was used to treat strabismus, a disorder of crossed eyes because of weak eye muscles. Botox injections were administered in the muscles to help balance the eyes and pull them straight, again. Botox treatments were tested in adults, as well as children and proven successful.
Back
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Botox injections have also been used to relieve back pain. This relief lasts six to eight months in trials. Botox relieves muscle spasms and tightening of the muscles. The studies have shown that relief is apparent within the first few days of injection. Researchers believe this treatment is successful because once injected, certain nerves are prevented from signaling and sending pain messages to the brain.
Headache
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Botox can be injected into the head, neck and shoulders to relieve headache pain. There is no known reason for the headache pain relief, currently. The positive side of this treatment is there are few side effects and patients may be able to discontinue taking pain medication. The incidence of headaches was significantly reduced for about four months after botox treatments.
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