The Many Medical Uses and Benefits of Botox

In as much as Botox is derived from the deadliest toxins known to man, it is also known for its ability to smooth wrinkles and enhance the complexion. 

It is often associated with wrinkle-free and expressionless faces of the famous and rich. 

But, Botox has surprised the medical community by its endless uses and applications and can be used to eliminate embarrassing problems and treat serious medical conditions. 

Even though Botox is approved to be used for a variety-nine to be exact-medical conditions and various cosmetic uses, Allergan, a botox owner has about 800 patents for other uses of this drug. 

From its humble beginnings being approved nearly 30 years ago until now, it has been a cosmetic enhancement staple and very common in our world today.

How does Botox work?

Botox works as a protective shield between the muscle and the brain and even if the brain tells the muscle to move on purpose or by misfiring neurons, the muscle will not move. 

Today, Botox® Cosmetic is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes as discussed below:

Treat a drooping brow

Drooping brow, which is also known as Brow Ptosis, is a condition where patients look tired and unhappy even though they may be feeling happy and awake. 

In some cases, the droop may be due to biological reason and patients are normally advised to exercise their face muscles and eat more vegetables.

However, most of the time, medical interventions are required. Giving the patient Botox leads to the brow muscle relaxing and grants it the ability to stay afloat when the drug is administered correctly.

Chronic migraines

In 1992, Dr. William Binder, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, observed that his patients, whom he was giving Botox for wrinkles, reported also having fewer headaches as time went on.

Shortly thereafter, Botox was then approved by the FDA in 2010 to treat chronic migraines after Allergan tested the drug on the people suffering from the illness.

Excessive underarm sweating

Scientists at Allergen and outside the company began to study whether Botox could reduce sweating after doctors realized that the patients who were treated for facial spasms were producing less sweat. 

Botox was approved by the FDA in 2004 to treat severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Some people also use Botox to treat overly sweaty feet and hands. 

Treatment for Bells Palsy

Botox can be administered in two different ways to Bells Palsy patients.  

The first one is administering the drug to the non-paralyzed side of the face. This is more of cosmetic treatment and the technique relaxes the movements of the dominant side of the face. Even when the patient is moving or talking a lot, this treatment will help give the patient a more balanced look.

The second way of treating Bells Palsy is by administering the drug to the paralyzed side of the face. This will help in relaxing the face muscles that could be painful and have tightened up, preventing unwanted facial tics.

Overactive bladder

According to Dr Linda Brubaker, the chief diversity officer and Dean at Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Botox is the most impactful treatment she has seen in a study she conducted with patients who have an overactive bladder. 

She found that 70 percent of the women she treated had five leaks a day at the start of the study and by the end of the study, had three leaks a day. However, it should be noted that people may need to use a catheter-since Botox can shut down the bladder.

Botox is FDA approved to treat overactive bladder.

Crossed eyes

Strabismus is a disorder that affects 4% percent of Americans-this is where the eyes do not look in the same direction. 

Botox is FDA approved for this disorder. It was one of its first approvals. 

Benefits of Botox

Understanding the benefits and uses of Botox will help with treating your patients if you are a doctor. If you suffer from any of the above conditions, you can seek advice from your doctor on how you can use Botox to treat the condition. 

Before using Botox, consult with your doctor since it is prescription and should always be administered by a professional. Hopefully, the article has given you enough information to move forward with your decision.