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Botox is manufactured by Allergan Inc(U.S) for both therapeutic as well as cosmetic use. On April 15, 2002, American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) announced the approval of botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX Cosmetic) to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). BTX-A has also been approved for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating.

Basically, Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is known as one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances in the world. That’s why, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. What we have to know then, is that Besides its cosmetic application, botox is used in the treatment of

• migraine headaches
• cervical dystonia (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck)
• blepharospasm (involuntary contraction of the eye muscles)
• severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Treatment and prevention of chronic headache and chronic musculoskeletal pain are emerging uses for botulinum toxin type A. In addition, there is evidence that Botox may aid in weight loss by increasing the gastric emptying time. Other uses of botulinum toxin type A that are widely known but not specifically approved by FDA include treatment of:

• overactive bladder syndrome with or without incontinence
• spastic disorders associated with injury or disease of the central nervous system including trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or cerebral palsy
• focal dystonias affecting the limbs, face, jaw, or vocal cords
• diabetic neuropathy
• wound healing
• excessive salivation

In the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, Eric Finzi claims to have treated clinically depressed patients with botox. On Good Morning America, he claimed that by taking away the ability to frown, he was somehow taking away the ability to feel depressed. Happy forever, we’re all want it be, aren’t we? :-)

Topik: Therapy