Botulinum Toxin Type A, a.k.a. Botox, is the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure in America, boasting 5.7 million procedures last year. When it comes to smoothing out forehead wrinkles, America chooses Botox.
But did you know that Botox is good for more than just smoothing out laugh lines and crows feet? Here are a few ailments you might be surprised to discover can be treated by Botox:
Migraines
While headache medicine will solve the problem of migraines for most of us, some people out there don’t respond to the over-the-counter solutions. Botox has proven to be a godsend to those who suffer frequent, incurable migraines. Injected into the head and neck, the patient may experience relief for up to several months. The FDA approved Botulinum Toxin Type A for migraine treatment in 2010.
Treating Muscular Disorders
Botulinum Toxin works by paralyzing muscles, so it only make sense that Botox would be an ideal treatment for people suffering from muscle spasms. Like before with headache medication, some people don’t respond to traditional muscle relaxing medication. In this instance, Botox, injected into the afflicted muscle, will temporarily paralyze it, relieving the patient of the unwanted contractions and the discomfort associated with them. Botox has also been shown to be an effective treatment for Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological disorder.
Excessive Sweating
In England in 1993, it was discovered while treating patients for facial spasms that Botulinum Toxin Type A actually caused the body to decrease sweat production. Since then, the FDA has approved Botox for treating excessive sweating for those who are unable to control their underarm perspiration with antiperspirants.
If you’re interested in Botox, whether for cosmetic purposes, or treating migraines or excessive sweating, be sure to consult your surgeon to see if it’s right for you.
