Botox Summary Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism. Doctors use it in small doses to treat health problems, including Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles and improving your appearance Severe underarm sweating Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking Strabismus – misaligned eyes Chronic migraine Overactive bladder Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating. The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. You could also have flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Resources Botox American Osteopathic College of Dermatology Botox (Botulinum Toxin) Logical Images Botox Injections American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Botulinum Neurotoxin Injections Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Treatment for Muscle Spasms American Academy of Family Physicians Botulinum Toxin Therapy American Academy of Dermatology Can Botox Injections Relieve Arthritis Pain? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Fraudulent Versions of Botox Found in the United States Food and Drug Administration Neuromodulators for Aging Skin American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Botulinum Toxins National Institutes of Health Journal Articles Botox Latest News Botox Can Be Used for Chronic Migraine, Experts Say HealthDay
