surprising things about botox

(ARA) - Most of us associate botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, with the cosmetic treatment of facial wrinkles. But did you know that neurologists have safely used it to treat serious medical conditions for over 28 years?

Here are some of the conditions that can benefit from this treatment, based on a new set of guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology:

* Spasticity
A neurological injury can cause muscle stiffness that interferes with moving, walking, and other day-to-day activities. These problems, called spasticity, are common in cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. Those who have had a stroke often have tightness in the arm, wrist, and hand muscles on the affected side. There is strong evidence that botulinum toxin can safely and effectively treat adult and childhood spasticity in the limbs. For those with multiple sclerosis who suffer from severe tightening or stiffness in the thigh muscles, it may provide comfort when in bed or a wheelchair.  

* Lower Back Pain
Many people suffer from lower back pain for a variety of reasons. "We found that botulinum toxin is possibly effective in relieving low back pain and therefore may be considered as a treatment option," says pain guidelines author Dr. Markus Naumann, Professor of Neurology, Head of the Department of Neurology at Augsburg Hospital in Germany, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

* Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia is the involuntary twisting or tilting of the neck and shoulders. Botulinum toxin can help people who have head, neck, and shoulder problems by blocking the nerve signals that cause the uncontrollable tightening and movements of these muscles.

* Excessive Sweating
Experts found strong evidence that botulinum toxin is safe and successful for treating excessive underarm sweating. Research shows that sweat production can be reduced by at least 50 percent. Other types of sweating, such as excessive palm sweating, can benefit from this treatment as well.

* Overactive Bladder
If you suffer from an overactive bladder associated with neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, you can use botulinum toxin to help increase bladder control. Research shows reduced incontinence episodes, which can help dramatically improve quality of life.

* Facial Spasms
Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder that causes frequent involuntary contractions of the muscles on one side of the face. People who have used botulinum toxin treatment report benefits lasting almost three months. Other facial disorders such as blepharospasm, or involuntary winking, can be treated this way as well.

* Essential Tremor
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes shaking of the hands or other parts of the body, including the head. Research shows that injections of botulinum neurotoxin should be considered as a treatment option when drugs have not worked.

Contrary to popular belief, botulinum toxin is probably not effective in the treatment of migraine or chronic tension-type headaches. According to Dr. Naumann, "It is no better than placebo injections for these types of headache."

Even though Botox is most popularly known in cosmetic circles for reducing wrinkles and keeping men and women looking young, it is also a useful treatment for serious medical conditions. For more information, visit www.AAN.com.