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Botox® Therapeutic

Botox® has been used with increasing frequency by doctors for over twenty years for more and more different medical conditions. In addition to the cosmetic use of Botox® for facial wrinkles, Botox® is now used to treat excessive sweating of the underarms and palms. Botox® is also used to treat tension headaches and migraines, as well as spasmodic pain.

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term given to the condition commonly known as excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is caused by the over stimulation of sweat glands by the autonomic nerves. There can be considerable emotional and social stigma attached to the condition, and this can lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem. Traditional treatments for hyperhydrosis include over-the-counter commercial antiperspirants, oral medications, electrical treatments, and surgery. Existing non-surgical treatments however, have had limited success in dealing with excessive sweating or have produced unpleasant side effects.

In recent studies, Botox® has been shown to be effective in decreasing Palmar Hyperhidrosis (the sweating of the armpits, hands, and feet) and Axillary Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the armpits) and is nothing short of miraculous . Botox® controls hyperhidrosis by blocking the release of the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands -- acetylcholine.

Botox® injections in the underarm region usually do not require any local anesthetic or nerve block, and do not have any significant side effects. The dosage range for the underarms is 50-200 units per armpit. The duration of a "sweat-free interval" with Botox® therapy in the underarms increases by using higher doses of Botox®. Studies have shown an absence of sweating for an average of four months with the 50 unit dose, and 19 months with the 200 unit dose.

Headaches: Pain from headaches is one of the most common types of pain. Headache symptoms may include one sided, throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, and vomiting. Botox® has shown efficacy rates as high as 80% in many clinical trials. Muscle spasms are believed to be a major contributor in migraine, tension and neck related headaches. Consequently, Botox® is injected into the specific muscles that are overactive or painful. Trigger points that are tender can also be injected, often giving dramatic relief of pain. Dosages can range from as low as 30 units in the forehead, to 100 units for the forehead, back of head and scalp, or even more for associated neck pains.

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