Botox is the purified form of botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin protein produced by bacteria. It is commonly used to treat wrinkles caused by the contraction of the muscles. Botox removes wrinkles by blocking the nerves that contract these muscles thus softening the appearance of the skin.
Botox Injection has quite a number of uses; some of them are,
- To treat eye disorders such as crossed eyes and uncontrolled blinking.
- Muscle stiffness or spasms and certain movement disorders such as torticollis.
- To prevent migraines by relaxing muscles usually done by blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine.
- Overactive bladder is treated using botox for those who cannot undertake the side effects caused by other medications.
- To treat severe underarm sweating and drooling botox blocks the chemicals that activates sweat and salivary glands.
Botox is not a cure and the symptoms may return in time.
Side Effects of Botox Treatment:If the patient is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or is a nursing mother (in the stage of breast feeding her child), then it is advised to consult a doctor before going through with this Botox Treatment procedure.
Some of the side effects include,
- Headache
- Bruising
- Pain at the site of injection
- Drooping eyelids or eyebrows which return to its natural state in a few months. This side effect is very rare and is found in less than
- one percent of the cases.
- Dizziness
- Mild difficulty swallowing
- Respiratory infections
- Nausea
- Double vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye irritation
- Muscle weakness
The patients are advised to talk about their allergies and medical history to their doctor or pharmacist before the procedure.
It may cause muscle weakness, droopy eyelids or blurred vision. It is strongly advised not to drive or use heavy machinery until the effect wears off.
Drinking of alcoholic beverages should be limited and avoided at any cost.
