An Overview of Botulinum Toxin Therapies

Here at Midwest Neurology Associates, we administer pain management to patients in the Highland, IN and surrounding areas skillfully and confidently, utilizing the expertise of a diverse assembly of physicians and medical professionals.

Working closely with their peers, our physicians can diagnose and treat any manner of chronic pains, medical conditions, and disorders. Today we wanted to explore how Midwest Neurology Associates handles botulinum toxin therapy and some of its applications.

A Medical Innovation

One of the leading treatments for the neuromuscular disorder that is dystonia, botulinum toxin therapy has gained prominence within the medical community over these last decades.

In the case of a disorder like dystonia, “botox therapy” (as it is known colloquially) prevents the muscle contractions and spasms that can affect the eyes, neck, face, voice, bladder, and limbs of anyone suffering from it. With botulinum toxins, we can reduce the frequency and severity of these muscle spasms and the pain that accompanies them.

Overview and Approval

Surprising as it is medical students and patients, botulinum toxin is not a patented medicine as much as it is the byproduct of a bacterium—a Clostridium botulinum (hence the name). Though seven strains of the neurotoxin exist, only two types have proven medical uses.

Since 2010, botulinum toxins have been approved by the FDA in the treatment of migraines and other chronic conditions. Usually, the toxin is injected every 12 weeks, until headaches decrease in their frequency and severity.

Usages of BOTOX

Outside of cosmetics and chronic migraines, botulinum toxin still remains a popular and effective treatment for a range of dystonic conditions including blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, urinary retention, and limb spasticity.

Because neurons ultimately regenerate nerve endings, dystonia treated with botulinum toxin will eventually manifest itself again. Patients with dystonia require multiple treatments over the span of three to four months until conditions finally subside.

Safety of BOTOX

When our board-certified neurologists administer botulinum toxin therapy to patients, they do so with the knowledge and training to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment. We’re proud to employ some of the best neurologists in Highland, IN and surrounding areas, as we treat and diagnose dystonia.

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