JOIN USBotox is a neurotoxin that was originally developed and used as a biological weapon. But over the years, with advancement in science and technology, its use has expanded, with applications ranging from medicinal to cosmetic.
Many studies have shown its usefulness beyond making people look younger. For instance, botox is now used in fields like ophthalmology, endocrinology, urology, gynaecology, endocrinology and most importantly, neurology.
Disorders like blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, Meige’s syndrome, cervical dystonia/torticollis, upper and lower limb spasticity, cerebral palsy, writer’s cramp, migraine etc.
Blepharospasm is a neurological condition characterised by abnormal spasm or twitching of the eyelid and eyelashes. To treat this, a very small amount of botox can be injected through a very fine needle into the eyelids. This provides partial relief.
Hemifacial spasm is an involuntary contraction of the muscles of the face of one side which causes flickering movement of the involved muscles. Meige’s syndrome is a condition in which both lower and upper facial muscles contract. These are cosmetically disfiguring and can be treated by injecting botox around the eye and sometimes also on the lower face.
Cervical dystonia means abnormally high muscle tone (dystonia) in the neck (cervical) and can result in abnormal head positions. Botox causes a controlled relaxation of the involved muscles and causes improvement in the condition.
Writer’s Cramp is the medical condition in which patients have difficulty only in writing. Such people can write only a page or two, and after that their hands give up. Therefore, to ease hyperactivity of muscles, botox is injected.
The treatment of migraines has been revolutionised by the usage of botox. However, only chronic cases with frequent headaches that don’t subside with other treatment options may need botox.
How botox works
Botox causes a controlled relaxation of the muscles with spasticity or abnormal movements. The process of injecting botox is irreversible and there needs to be a gap of three months between injections. When injected in the right spot, the drug can provide relief with very few side effects. However, unlike insulin, not everyone can handle botox.
The local side-effects of injection will differ according to the area into which it is injected. The general side-effects include pain or swelling around the site of injection, rashes, itchiness, headache and tiredness. In very rare cases, weakening of muscles is felt, but this may last only for a week or 10 days.
How much does it cost?
With botox, cost is an inhibitory factor. Usually, 100 units of the drug may cost approximately Rs 20,000. For a headache, a minimum of 150 units has to be administered, so it may cost Rs 30,000. While the treatment may be expensive, it is a boon for those who really need it.
(The author is the director, Neurology, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram)