Connection Between Botox and MND

Can Botox trigger Motor Neurone Disease (MND)? In both Botox and MND, the signals are not reaching the muscles. Does Botox work the same way that a muscle aggravating disease does?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Leighton in california

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Neurologic diseases and Botox

Leighton, If it is known that a neurologic condition or disease is present, then it is probably best not to use Botox Cosmetic. What may occur more commonly is that a patient that has a previously undiagnosed or subclinical neurologic condition becomes unmasked when Botox is used for cosmetic reasons. The Botox does not trigger the disease, it merely unmasks it and may lead to an earlier diagnosis than would otherwise have occurred.

No causal connection between Botox and MND

Motor neuron diseases are conditions in which degeneration of the nerves that stimulate muscles to contract are affected. An example of this is Lou Gehrig's disease. Neuromuscular diseases including Lou Gehrig's disease, Myasthenia Gravis and Eaton-Lambert syndrome are contraindications to using Botox, but to my knowledge, have not been triggered by Botox.

Botox does not damage the nerves

Botox does not damage the nerve that travels in the spine. Botox merely acts as a physical blocker in the space between the end of the nerve and the muscle. It prevents the terminal section of the nerve from transmitting the signal to the muscle to contract. When the Botox wears off, which it always does, the nerve ending can send the signal again and the muscle contracts. The nerve does not get permanently impaired.

Botox does not cause neuromuscular disease

Leighton, NMDs are not caused by Botox. I think the concern is that if you already have a NMD, then Botox may potentiate any manifestation of the disease since the neuromuscular transmission is already affected by the disease. However Botox is not causing the disease and is not worsening the disease in any way.

Botox cosmetic should be avoided in those with neuromuscular disease

Leighton, There is absolutely no evidence that Botulinum Toxin A (BOTOX, Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA) triggers Motor Neurone Disease. Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a group of disease that are commonly referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease. It is in fact not clear what tiggers these conditions, although there is expanding information on the genetics of MND/ALS. The disease presents with progressive muscle atrophy, weakness, fasiculation or twitching and is assoicated with atrophy and cell... more