Botox – The Medical Savior!

Botox as we know it today means a treatment to reduce those annoying little wrinkles and blemishes. Yet before its newfound use it had a more noble use, treating medical conditions. This article sneaks a glance at various other applications of the toxin.

With the spread of the use of the botulinum toxin for banishing those little wrinkles and making the skin appear more youthful, we have forgotten the importance of this toxin in expelling a few medical symptoms and disorders.



Since 1989 Botox has quietly been helping patients by relieving them of conditions such as overreacting bladder symptoms, reducing the frequency of migraines and, increased muscle stiffness among others.

Headaches and Migraines
In the mid 1990’s many patients receiving the toxin for various other disorders reported a major fall in the frequency and intensity of headaches. On the basis of these claims many clinical trials were held but the results were not promising. Yet on closer inspection it was found that a group of people did benefit. Now a dilute preparation is used to treat only chronic migraines.

Sweating
Treatment with Botox A has shown results in reducing underarm sweating. The treatment typically lasts for about 6to 7 months. Excessive sweating occurs due to inability of the body to maintain its temperature. Under such circumstances the patient may sweat 4 times more than someone who does not suffer from the same condition at the same temperature. There is also a major social stigma surrounding excessive sweating and many people who feel insecure about their condition also opt for this treatment. Studies have shown that after treatment almost 50% of the patients felt more comfortable about their social stature after treatment.

Overactive Bladder
Anticholinergics are the primary and first type of diagnosis a doctor recommends for an overactive bladder. When this fails, Botox is prescribed. It tightens the muscles of the bladder to ensure more control over those muscles. Embarrassing symptoms like the need to urinate often and inability to control the flow of urine can easily be terminated with a couple of shots of Botox A. It has shown remarkable effects in female patients and its male success rate is also high.

Strabismus
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes are not coordinated and thus tend to look in different directions. Patients tend to experience symptoms such as double vision, lack of depth and decreased peripheral vision. Eyes are unable to focus on a single point. Causes include inadequate treatment during childhood and illness. (Its cause during childhood is unknown.) Botox A is injected which has a dual action of weakening muscles, which reduce spasms along with contraction on the other side. This especially helps correct crossed eyes.

Upper Limb Spasticity
A condition in which the elbows, fingers, shoulders become stiff and are perpetually in a stiff position near the body. Uncontrollable spasms also occur without any reason. It is not life threatening yet does deteriorate the quality of life for any diagnosed with it. Tasks like pouring a glass of coffee and tying a shoelace become daunting. It has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for this condition. When paired with therapy and oral drugs it has tremendous effects.  Yet Botox’s effects have not been studied in any other part of the body and it is unclear whether the same effects will be displayed in reducing muscle stiffness in other parts.

The wrinkle remover has many other applications as you can see. A list of commonly occurring symptoms has been given below.

• Dry mouth
• Pain at injection site
• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Neck Pain
• Double Vision
• Blurred Vision

All above treatments are tested and can only be availed under a doctor’s guidance. There are many well-established clinics in Vancouver that may offer Botox treatments.

Remember, things are not always what they seem!

Enjoy a flattering consultation and see how you can look and feel YEARS younger! http://www.yaletownlasercentre.com/services-2/skin-care/botox-and-facial-volumizer/