Uses of Botox at NYM --718.246.8614
Botox at New York Methodist
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.
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.
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 Botox 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.
Botox is used by neurologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist to relieve muscle contractions and treatment of localized conditions.
Botox 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.
For more information, call 718.246.8614.
