How do Botox injections work?
They work by weakening or paralysing certain muscles. They also block certain nerves. They have a neuromuscular blocking effects. They block nerve signals to muscles. The injected muscle thus cannot contract. These effects are always temporary, but may last for several months. They are also used for treating certain cosmetic conditions.
What cosmetic conditions can be treated with Botox?
Botox cosmetic injections are used to address signs of ageing. This can take care of wrinkles in several areas of your face including your eye brows, forehead, nose, eyes, lips, chin jaw line and neck.
What medical conditions can be treated with Botox injections?
These injections can be recommended for the treatment of crossed eyes, dystonia that is excess muscle contraction, excessive sweating known as hyperhidrosis, the drug is used to treat excess underarm sweating, eyelid twitching, chronic migraines, overactive urinary bladder that causes loss of urinary control, upper limb spasticity in children, blepharospasm that is uncontrollable blinking and cervical dystonia. Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contraction.
What are the possible risks involved by 4 giving Botox injections?
They can cause pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site. Headache or mild fever can occur, droopy eyelids watery or dry eyes can occur. Rarely infection at the injection site can occur. The side effects are less if the injections are given by skilled health workers.
What are the other possible side effects?
If the drug spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause muscle weakness, vision problems, allergic reactions, breathing problems, loss of bladder control. Botox injections are not given in pregnancy or nursing mothers.
What is expected during Botox therapy?
A fine needle is used to inject small amounts of the drug into the treatment area. You may receive several injections in different spots. You go home the same day. Discomfort is mild. You may require anesthesia for an overactive bladder. This could be local or regional anesthesia.
How often should you get Botox?
On an average the effects last for a few months. only. Repeat therapy is recommended at this time. Eventually, the muscles may train themselves to contract less. Botox injections start working in 1 to 3 days. It can take a week or more to get full results. However not all people can get relief from this medication.
What about these injections in migraine?
They are used in migraine where the headaches appear at least 15 days a month. The medication is injected in the forehead, scalp, shoulders and neck. In many there is dramatic relief. The relief remains for about 3 months, and then the injections need to be repeated.
