Uses for Botox at New York Methodist -- 718.246.8614

The popularity of Botox ( botulinum toxin type A) is largely attributed to
its use as a cosmetic treatment that decreases the appearance of
wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet  and other " imperfections".  In recent
years, the drug's use by Hollywood celebrities has propelled it into
stardom, making botulinum injections the most popular non-surgical
cosmetic procedure performed by plastic surgeons in the United States. 

However, many Americans are unaware of Botox's other medical uses. 

At New York  Methodist Hospital, neurologists use Botox for the treatment
of spasticity, which is characterized by severe muscle stiffness, involuntary
jerking and contractions of all or part of a muscle or group of muscles. 
This condition occurs when the normal messaging between the spinal
cord and the reflex center of the brain is interrupted through injury or
disease.

Spastic hypertonia is often the result of stroke, brain trauma, spinal cord
injury and other neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and
cerebral palsy. 

In addition the drug is also used at the Hospital to treat other movement
disorders such as cervical dystonia (involuntary contracting of neck muscles,
causing abnormal movements and awkward posture of the head and neck) ,
hemifacial spasms and blepharospasms. The drug is also used to treat
hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and excessive drooling.

Botullinum toxin is used by doctors to relieve muscle contractions and is
good for treatment if the condition is localized.

Botulinmum toxin cannot be injected into large muscle areas because
this may trigger the production of antibodies that will impair the drug's
function.  Neurologists use antispasticity drugs to treat muscle contractions.

Botulinmun toxin works by blocking the release of acetycholine, a substance
that transmits signals from the nerves to the muscles and can cause the
muscles to overreact and tense up if present in large amounts.  Once the
drug is injected into the affected area, muscle spasms may stop or become
greatly reduced.  The use of the drug has very few risks.  However, the effects
of Botox are not permanent and generally wear off in three to four months, at
which time the injection is repeated.    

For more information, call 718.246.8614.