Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is derived from a form of bacteria commonly known as botulism. This bacterium has seven toxins that affect the nervous system, and four of those toxins cause paralysis of muscle nerves. Throughout the 20th century, scientists purified and altered one of the toxins (toxin A) to create Botox. Because Botox paralyzes muscle, causing it to relax, researchers have found numerous ways to use it both cosmetically and medically.
History
Botulism was first discovered by a scientist in Belgium in 1895. Researchers experimented with the bacterium, and in 1946 a scientist was able to successfully isolate botulinum toxin type A. The drug known as Botox was used only in animal studies until 1978, when it was approved for human use by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration.
Muscle Spasms and Muscle Pain
Botox has been approved to treat muscle spasms throughout the body. Spasms in the neck, shoulders, low back, face and around the eyes can all be treated with Botox. It has also been useful for spasms in patients with spinal cord injury. Botox paralyzes the muscle, effectively stopping the spasm. Muscular pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back and hips also benefit from Botox injections.
Cosmetic Treatments
Botox is most popularly known for its anti-aging properties. Injections into facial muscles such as the forehead can decrease or eliminate fine lines and/or wrinkles. Botox relaxes the facial muscle that is injected and blocks the signal that tells it to wrinkle when you make facial expressions. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that there were 2,464,123 Botox treatments in the United States in 2008. Botox is one of the leading nonsurgical procedures being done by plastic surgeons today.
Migraine Treatment
Botox is not FDA approved for migraines, but it has been found to be effective for migraine pain. Doctors are not certain how Botox relieves migraines, but some believe that it reduces muscle tension in the neck/head that can make migraines more severe. A California professor, Dr. Richard Glogau, stated that in 2000, 75 percent of his patients reported at least four months' relief from migraines with Botox treatments.
Underarm Sweating
In 2004, the FDA approved Botox to relieve severe underarm sweating. Hormones are released from the body that cause us to sweat. When Botox is injected into the area that sweats, it blocks the hormones from producing the sweat. In a study provided by the makers of Botox, 81 percent of patients had a 50 percent or greater reduction in sweating. Treatments for underarm sweating can last up to 200 days, after which time the Botox wears off and patients need to repeat the treatment.
