BOTOX THERAPY: an Updated Review

Botox is for injection, in very small amounts, into specific muscles. It acts by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and so paralyzing the muscles. Botox is a brand name that has passed into popular usage as a synonym for BOTULINUM TOXIN. Botulinum toxin exerts its effects by paralyzing skeletal muscle. The pharmacological site of action is at the neuromuscular synapse. In cosmetic applications, a Botox injection, consisting of a small dose of botulinum toxin, can be used to prevent development of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles. In addition to its cosmetic applications, Botox is currently used in the treatment of spasms and dystonias, by weakening involved muscles, for the 60-70 day effective period of the drug. The main conditions treated with botulinum toxin are: Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis) (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck) Blepharospasm (excessive blinking). Another major advantage of Botox is that it is nonsurgical. Typically take less than an hour to complete, often requiring less than 10 minutes for the actual injection process. BOTOX was approved by the FDA on October 2010 for the prevention of chronic migraine headaches for adults.