If you have a bit of drooping or a few wrinkles on your face caused by overreactive muscles and nerves, Botox may very well be the answer. However, Botox is capable of helping patients with far more than their aging face; it can actually be used for other ailments just the same.
What ailments can Botox be used to treat beyond just signs of aging?
Even though Botox has been most readily identified as something patients seek to help them look younger, the medication actually has a long list of other uses. Some of the most common ailments treated with botox injections include:
- Blepharospasms (uncontrollable twitching or blinking of the eyelids)
- Cervical dystonia (muscle spasms of the neck and shoulders)
- Overactive bladder
- Migraines
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweat production at the underarms)
How exactly does Botox work for these conditions?
The mechanism of Botox medication is pretty much always the same regardless of what it is being used to treat; it actually paralyzes certain nerves and muscles by blocking the signals between certain nerves and muscles. For example, when used for the treatment of an overactive bladder, Botox injections would prevent the muscles in the bladder from contracting by blocking nerve signals, which would help an individual who constantly feels the need to urinate.
Does Botox treatment for other ailments last as long as Botox for wrinkles?
The duration of effectiveness with Botox treatment can range depending on several factors, including what condition is being treated. One thing that does seem to stay pretty consistent, however, is how long it takes for Botox to take full effect. Usually, Botox treatment is something that takes a week or two to take full effect, whether you are talking about treatment for wrinkles or treatment for some other ailment. Talk to your doctor about what you should expect with Botox treatment in your specific circumstances.
What side effects are common with Botox injections for alternate ailments beyond wrinkles?
The issue being treated is going to have a lot to do with what symptoms you may experience because it will affect where the Botox is injected or used. However, some of the more general side effects of Botox injections include things like mild flu symptoms, nausea, and headaches. If you experience anything major, it is always best to talk to your doctor to make sure you are not having a bad reaction to the medication.
For more information, speak with a professional who provides Botox.
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