BOTOX® neurotoxin is a medicine approved to treat
- Cervical dystonia (CD)—head tilting, neck pain, and neck muscle spasms
- CD is also known as spasmodic torticollis
- Blepharospasm, or eyelid spasms
- Strabismus, also called crossed eyes
Living with these conditions can be difficult. They can even make it hard to do simple daily tasks, such as dressing yourself or driving a car. But with treatment, you may be able to manage your symptoms. Many people have turned to BOTOX® for relief with positive results.
BOTOX® treatment is given by injection. Only a licensed doctor can give patients BOTOX® injections. Allergan ensures strict quality control when manufacturing BOTOX®. The source of BOTOX® is a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. These bacteria produce a substance that is the active ingredient in BOTOX®.
The signals that cause pain and muscle spasms are sent to the muscles through the nerves. BOTOX® neurotoxin blocks the signals that cause muscle spasms directly in the affected muscles, resulting in relief. Similarly, BOTOX® is thought to block the signals that cause pain.
A study done in patients with CD showed that BOTOX® treatment can help reduce the intensity and frequency of pain. Pain relief may happen first, before muscles become significantly relaxed.
Once you receive BOTOX® neurotoxin treatment, you’ll start to feel the benefits soon, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks after receiving BOTOX®. This relief may last for up to 3 months.
You may receive repeat BOTOX® injections as long as:
- Your condition responds to BOTOX®
- You do not have any allergic reactions to BOTOX® or other significant side effects
Because symptoms can change over time, the amount and duration of relief you feel may vary. Although most people continue to respond to BOTOX®, some people respond less over time. To maintain the best possible response to BOTOX® over time, your doctor will give you the lowest effective dose. Also, he or she will determine the proper time between injections.
It’s a good idea to track your symptoms in a diary. This may help your doctor determine how best to manage your treatment. Also, by noting how your pain, muscle spasms, and posture improve over time, you can judge for yourself how well your treatment is working.
