Botox® - Common

Hypertonic Muscles (Spasticity)

Spasticity is a form of muscle rigidity that often results from damage to the spinal cord or brain. It is a condition that is common among people with stroke, cerebral aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal cord injuries, and hypoxia. Spasticity management involves the treatment of “stiffened” muscles, which can make it difficult for patients to perform daily functions.

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CLINICAL RESEARCH

Lea Medical Therapies is a participant in the international research program:

Adult Spasticity Registry of OnabotulinumtoxinA Treatment (ASPIRE)

Click here for enrollment criteria and details.

Migraine Headaches

The root causes of migraine headaches are still not fully understood but scientists believe genetic and environmental factors play a role. Migraines may be caused by changes in the brainstem and the resulting interactions with the Trigeminal nerve, a major pathway for pain. Although migraines cannot be cured, they can be managed with Botox® injections. During this procedure, injections are made in muscles of the forehead and neck. The treatment usually needs to be repeated every 12 weeks. Botox® injections are also used to treat headaches related to mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injuries and concussions.

Excessive Sweating (Axillary Hyperhidrosis)

Hyperhidrosis is the condition characterized by excessive sweating, over and above what is required for regulation of body temperature. Hyperhidrosis usually affects the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and underarms. Besides disrupting normal daily activities, the condition can cause social anxiety or embarrassment.

Botox® is injected into affected areas to inhibit stimulation of the sweat glands. The drug’s effects can last for a period up to 3 to 6 months or more. The most commonly treated areas include the hands, soles of the feet, forehead region and underarm area.

Cervical Dystonia (Spastic Torticollis)

Spasmodic Torticollis is a painful and debilitating neurological movement disorder. Patients develop stiffness in one or more neck muscles that prevents them from moving their head in one direction or another or locks their head in a forward, side or rotated position. Botox® injected directly into the overactive neck muscles is a common treatment. The drug interrupts messages from the brain to neck muscles telling them to contract. Although Botox® cannot cure the disorder, it is an effective management tool that lasts up to four months at a time.

Hemifacial Spasms

Botox® has also proven to be an effective treatment of Hemifacial Spasm, a chronic condition that affects one side of the face. Hemifacial spasm patients experience involuntary contractions of the muscles that make one side “scrunch up,” while the other side of the face remains normal. Tiny amounts of Botox® injected under the skin at each affected site relax the muscles and prevent spasms. The effects last up to three months.

Excessive Drooling (Sialorrhea)

Sialorrhea is the involuntary, passive pooling and spillage of saliva from the mouth.  The condition is commonly found in patients with cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.

Botox® has emerged as one of the primary interventional tools in the treatment of excessive drooling. Injecting Botox® directly into the salivary or parotid glands significantly decreases saliva production. Each treatment can provide relief for up to three months.