Botox treatment, administered through injections by qualified professionals, is approved for disorders such as cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, strabismus, and hyperhidrosis. The active ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin acts by blocking the signals that cause muscle spasms directly in the affected muscles. The resulting relaxation of the muscles provide relief.
Botox treatment decreases the occurrence of spasms in cervical dystonia. Also called spasmodic torticollis, it is a neurological movement disorder in which the muscles of the neck spasm uncontrollably, thus forcing the neck or head into uncomfortable positions and motions that are often painful. Common symptoms of cervical dystonia include pain at the neck and shoulders, problems swallowing, tightness of the muscles, and tremors.
Blepharospasm can also be corrected using Botox treatment. In individuals who have blepharospasm, the muscles around the eyes, and sometimes of the surrounding facial areas, twitch uncontrollably. This can cause the eyes to narrow or close involuntarily, thus affecting vision. Other common symptoms for blepharospsm are pain and soreness in the eyes and surrounding areas, unusual dryness or watering of the eyes, excessive blinking, and sensitivity to light.
Strabismus is the term for the condition in which the eyes are not aligned to each other properly. In this condition, there is no coordination between the muscles that control eye movements. The lack of coordination prevents the eyes from focusing at the same point in space. This in turn affects depth perception because of the lack of proper binocular vision. By relaxing certain muscles that control the eyes, Botox treatment helps correct the condition.
The exact cause of hyperhidrosis, a disorder in which there is abnormally excessive sweating, is not known. In hyperhidrosis, the amount of perspiration far exceeds what is required for the control of body temperature. The whole body can be affected, in general hyperhidrosis, or only parts such as the groin, underarms, hands, and feet, in localized hyperhidrosis. Botox treatment has proven to be effective in reducing excessive sweating.
Wrinkles and facial lines can be reduced with Botox treatment. The use of Botox for this cosmetic purpose is increasingly popular among those who wish to look younger. There is a high level of satisfaction with the effects of the treatment, even if the results are not that dramatic. The ease of application and the duration of its effects add to its popularity.
Botulinum toxin type A is actually a highly potent poison. Botox treatment should be used with caution because of this. A number of side effects could occur with the administration of Botox for any of the conditions described above. Only a qualified professional should administer any Botox treatment. In addition, Botox treatment is not for everyone. There are conditions that preclude the use of Botox.
Botox is actually a brand name under which botulinum toxin type A is commercially marketed. Other brand names are Dysport, Myobloc, Neurobloc and Xeomin. Botox Cosmetic and Vistabel are brand names for the variety that is specially made for cosmetic purposes.
About the Author: Jane Villardo is a major contributor at a Botox resource site where she also has articles about the uses of Botox treatment.