Botox

From a Deadly Poison Comes a Unique Medicine.

Darin Eklund, PA-C, A.T., C
Subhash Sahai, MD

For thousands of years, botulinum toxin (Botox) has been feared as a deadly poison. However, in the last decade it has been recognized as a potentially miraculous medicine for many diseases that have previously had no truly effective treatment.

Botox is a protein derived from the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. The toxin creates a blockade at the site where the body's nervous system triggers muscles to contract. This blockade causes paralysis lasting 3-6 months. While deadly in large quantities, a few units of toxin injected directly into a muscle with a small needle can have a tremendous therapeutic effect.

Initial FDA approval of the toxin was for treatment of chronic eyelid spasms. By accident, a physician discovered it was a successful cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. Since then Botox has been effectively used "off label" (without FDA approval) not only for wrinkles, but also for neck muscle spasms, lazy eyes, tension and migraine headaches, anal fissures, and chronic back pain, as well as more than 80 other medical conditions.

Botox has limitations. There are potential side effects and drug interactions. There is also an issue of cost. Botox is not cheap, and many insurers will still not routinely cover its cost. Depending on the amount of toxin required, treatment could cost from several hundred to more than a thousand dollars per treatment. It is also important to know that the treatment is not permanent. After 3-6 months repeat injections are needed as the muscles regain normal contractility.

It is one of the ironies of modern medicine that something that has been feared for thousands of years as a deadly poison is now being increasingly used as a medical treatment. Botox is not a cure, but for people who have had no luck with other conventional treatments, it may provide a significant improvement in pain and quality of life. At Webster City Medical Clinic we have had success with Botox as a treatment for chronic headaches, anal fissures, neck muscle spasms, as well as in treatment for facial wrinkles such as Crow's feet and frown lines.

This article was only intended to provide information, and should in no way be considered a specific recommendation for treatment. If you have any questions regarding the therapeutic use of Botox please contact the Webster City Medical Clinic at 515-832-6123.