Transformative Medical Applications of Neurotoxins

Last week, I covered the common aesthetic uses of toxins. But did you know that neurotoxins also play a role in the management of a variety of medical conditions? Interestingly, Botox is FDA-approved for children as young as 2 years old for some medical conditions! It really is magical stuff.

By blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neurotoxins help to reduce inflammation and modulate pain receptors, offering long-lasting pain relief.

Some medical uses of toxins that are seen in medical aesthetics are:

• TMJ: jaw pain or locking of jaw muscles – ouch!

• Migraines: Chronic migraine sufferers can get wonderful relief from consistent treatment to specific anatomical areas. Toxin prevent migraines by blocking the release of pain-inducing chemicals.

• Headaches: Most clients have an improvement in the frequency of their headaches after specific treatments.

• Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating, usually the axilla (armpits), the palms of the hands, or the soles of the feet. Toxin can block the nerves that stimulate sweat glands.

• Blepharospasm: Eyelid twitching. A few units of toxin in these areas can get rid of those annoying eye twitches.

• Upper Back Pain: Pain in the upper trapezius muscle. Release tension, pain, and decreased mobility with the treatment of this area.

Other medical uses for neurotoxins include:

• Lazy or Crossed eyes (strabismus): can help to correct crossed eyes

• Excessive muscle contractions (dystonia): toxins help to treat muscle spasms and spasticity (stiffness).

• Overactive Bladder (incontinence): toxins relax the bladder muscles, reducing urinary frequency and urgency.

• Muscle Spasms Pediatric or Adult Spasticity (i.e., cerebral palsy)

• Painful Neck Spasms (Cervical Dystonia): toxin can relieve neck pain and muscles spasms.