Non-cosmetic uses for Neurotoxins Patient Blog Series

Well known for smoothing wrinkles in the forehead and outer eyes, botulinum toxins, or neurotoxins are a household name. In recent years, the use for botulinum toxin has expanded. This substance is now known under various brand names such as Xeomin®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Botox ® of course.

Being one of the most potent toxins in nature, botulinum toxin has been found to relieve patients of conditions concerning the eyes all the way down to the abdomen. You would think being a toxin, this substance would not have as many beneficial effects on the human body. We will discuss the most common and effective treatments on the market today.

Neck spasms. Also known as cervical dystonia, in this painful condition, the neck muscles contract uncontrollably which causes the head to twist and turn into an uncomfortable position. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the chemical signal between the nerves and muscles that makes the muscle contract or tighten. As a result, patients can experience relaxed neck muscles.

Other muscle spasms. Cerebral palsy and other conditions of the nervous system cause limbs of the body to pull in towards the center of the body. Muscle spasms can also cause eye twitching, or blepharospasm. Botulinum toxin can relax the muscles that cause twitching and other involuntary facial spasms.

Lazy eye. The most common cause of lazy eye is an imbalance in the muscles used for moving the eye. Lazy eyes also is called crossed eyes or misaligned eyes. When injected correctly, botulinum toxin stops individual muscles around the eye to stop working for a while. This may help the eyes become more aligned and may lead to less blurred or double vision

Sweating. Botulinum toxin can be used for a condition in which people sweat profusely even when they're not hot or moving. It's called excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. The most common areas treated are the underarms, the palms of the hands and feet.

Migraine. Botulinum toxin injections also help reduce migraine frequency. This treatment is used mainly for people who have headaches over 15 days per month, diagnosed as chronic migraines. Treatment is needed about every three months to retain the benefits.

TMJ Disorders: Botulinum toxins relieves pain and tension from temporomandibular joint disorders.

Bladder problems. Botulinum toxin shots can also help reduce urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder. Injected directly into the bladder, this procedure is typically performed within an outpatient Urology clinic.

Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine and must be used only under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider. To find an expert, ask for a referral from your primary care provider or contact the National Laser and Aesthetics Academy expert providers and instructors about the risks, benefits, and if you are eligible to receive any of the treatments discussed. If you have been cleared to receive treatment with botulinum toxins, book your first appointment through the NLAA Treatment Center. See you soon!

NLAA Training and Treatments

1-800-972-6021

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