What
is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is one of
those remarkable medications which was developed for
one purpose and is being found useful for many others.
Originally approved in 1989 by the U.S. Food & Drug
Administration for ophthalmologist to treat an eye
blinking disorder, BOTOX® was next used by cosmetic
surgeons to remove frown lines. Now it is being found
extremely useful in the field of neurology. BOTOX® is
derived for the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, known
as Botulinum Toxin Type A. BOTOX® is the brand
name.
How
does BOTOX® work?
BOTOX® is therapeutic
muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings
(nerves that lead to muscles). It is in a class of
drugs called neurotoxins. It is highly purified and
has a long track record of safety. BOTOX® block
communication between the brain and a muscle, causing
the muscle to relax and bringing relief from pain.
What
conditions will BOTOX® help?
| Facial Cosmetic |
Pain Relief From:
Migraine Headaches
Tension
Headache
Neck and Back Pain
TMJ
Fibromyalgia |
Other Conditions:
Excessive Drooling (Sialorrhea)
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Spasticity
Hemifacial Spasm (tics)
Blepharospasm
Dystonia
Plantar Fasciitis |
What positive
benefits can be expected from the treatment?
Pain is greatly reduced
for most patients. BOTOX® allows patients to reduce
or discontinue other medications they may be taking.
It also enhances physical therapy treatments.
How
is BOTOX® administered?
BOTOX® is injected
into the muscle by a physician. A very fine needle
is used and the procedure is relatively painless. Several
injections may be necessary during a treatment.
What are the
side effects?
Usually there are none, except perhaps for the minor pain at the injection
site. Occasionally, temporary muscle weakness may also be present.
Is
BOTOX® safe?
Yes. Many thousands
of patients have benefited from BOTOX® with no
serious side effects reported.
When
does BOTOX® start
to work and how long will it last?
Usually, beneficial
effects are noticed within three to five days. The
relief continues to improve until it reaches a peak.
Eventually, it begins to wear off. Usually the treatment
lasts three to six months. Treatment can be repeated
safely every three months if necessary.
Will insurance
pay for this procedure? What is the cost?
The cost of treatment
depends on how much of the medication is used and how
many injections are needed. Once we determine the proper
treatment for you, we will be able to tell you how
much it will cost. Insurance companies vary widely
on whether or how much they will reimburse. If there
is no insurance coverage, we ask patients to pay at
the time of the procedure. Our staff
will help you file papers to seek reimbursement from
your insurance carrier.
|
