We know Botox as an injectable wrinkle relaxer; I like to think of it as an age and fatigue eraser.
But did you know that Botox has been around for non-cosmetic uses for many years?
The mechanism of the treatment is the same in both cosmetic and non-cosmetic applications: Botox is injected to relax and paralyze overworked muscles.
Below are some of its many uses.
Treatment for Migraine
Migraine sufferers can attest to the pain, discomfort, and impact on quality of life caused by migraine headaches. Even the best medicines fail to limit the extent of some migraine attacks. Botox treatment can be helpful and is prescribed by many doctors. The treatment procedure varies from physician to physician with some injecting it into the forehead and others injecting it into the shoulders or neck. This type of treatment has been shown to relieve migraine symptoms and allow patients to remain pain-free for the duration of the Botox effect (usually 4-6 months).
Treatment for Excessive Perspiration
Excessive perspiration can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition, usually seen primarily in the hands and under the arms. The medical term for this condition is hyperhidrosis. Botox can effectively reduce excessive perspiration when injected into these areas. As with most Botox treatments, the duration of the effect of the treatment is limited to 3-6 months.
Treatment for Crossed Eyes
The first condition for which Botox treatment was used was crossed eyes, also called strabismus. Botox injections can relax the over-active eye muscle and straighten out the eye(s). The treatment is also used in the ophthalmology field for excessive muscle twitching. It was the use of Botox around the eye that led to the discovery of its many uses today.