The Many Uses of Botox

Botox has certainly made a name for itself around the world as the #1 wrinkle-smoothing agent.  However, the neurotoxins’ capabilities actually extend far beyond the aesthetic arena.
Botox was originally used by Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) to treat strabismus.  This is a condition where one eye is not properly aligned with the other commonly referred to as “cross-eyed”.  Patients began to notice an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, and soon Botox’s aesthetic purposes were discovered and FDA approved.

Other on and off-label treatments using Botox include:
- Synkinesis (involuntary muscular movements)
- Migraine headaches
- Spastic bladder (urinary bladder disorder)
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Stuttering (speech disorder)
- Blepharospasm (uncontrolled muscle contraction)
- Sialorrhea (excessive secretion of saliva)
- Cervical Distonia (neurological movement disorder of the neck)
- Facial paralysis

Ultimately it seems the uses of Botox may go far beyond the cosmetic applications we are currently familiar with.