7 Health Conditions Botox May Help Treat
By RxSaver Editors••Updated December 8, 2020
Migraine
Botox®️ was the first developed botulinum toxin drug and was primarily known as a cosmetic treatment to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the face. However, over the past several decades, Botox has grown to become a useful medical therapy, used to treat numerous conditions. Here are 7 health conditions Botox may treat.
What is Botox?
[Botox][1] is a neurotoxin that is administered by a fine needle injection into specific muscles.
Once injected Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles by temporarily paralyzing them. This prevents specific muscles from contracting. The effects from Botox injections will typically take three to six months to reach full effect and will last for three to four months, although results may vary depending on what condition is being treated.
4 Health Conditions that Botox May Help Treat
- Overactive bladder
- Muscle Spasms
- Excessive Sweating
- Cross Eyes
How does Botox work to treat migraines?
Botox injections are [FDA approved][2] for the treatment of chronic migraine in adults. Chronic migraine is defined as at least 15 days per month of headaches each lasting 4 or more hours for more than 3 months, with at least 8 days of having headaches with migraine features. In people who suffer from chronic migraines, the injection of Botox prevents migraines by targeting pain fibers that are responsible for headaches.
Once Botox is injected, it enters nerve endings and blocks the release of chemicals responsible for pain transmission. In other words, Botox treats chronic migraine by preventing the activation of pain networks in your brain.
How does Botox work to treat overactive bladder?
To treat [overactive bladder][3], Botox is injected into the bladder through a tiny instrument called a cystoscope, which is inserted through the urethra. It then works to calm the nerves that overstimulate the bladder muscles.
Botox injections treat the symptoms of overactive bladder which include a sudden and frequent urge to urinate that is hard to control, bedwetting, involuntary urine leakage, and frequent urination.
How does Botox work to treat muscle spasms?
Botox treats spasms (involuntary contractions of the muscles) by blocking neural signals sent to the muscles in the injected area, causing them to relax and in turn stopping the involuntary contractions. Botox is used to treat a variety of muscle spasms, including cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), adult and pediatric spasticity, and a type of focal dystonia known as blepharospasm.
What is cervical dystonia?
Cervical dystonia is a nerve disorder. It causes muscles in the shoulder and neck to involuntarily contract, leading to head tilting, muscle tremors, and pain. The FDA has approved the use of Botox for cervical dystonia.
What is blepharospasm?
Blepharospasm is a neurological condition which causes involuntary spasms of the eyelid due to contraction of the muscles of the eyelids. The FDA approved the use of Botox as a treatment for blepharospasm in 1989.
What is spasticity?
The condition in which muscles of the limbs tighten or stiffen, or remain contracted is known as spasticity. Botox can be used to paralyze the muscle spasms, preventing them from contracting. Botox was approved for adult upper limb spasticity in 2010, for lower limb spasticity in 2016, and for pediatric patients in 2020.
How does Botox work to treat excessive sweating?
Excessive underarm sweating, known as axillary hyperhidrosis, is a condition in which affected persons sweat far more than normal even in unusual situations like cool weather. Botox was approved as a treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in 2004.
How does Botox work to treat crossed eyes?
Crossed eyes, known as strabismus, occur when both eyes do not look at the same place at the same time. It is linked to poor eye muscle control. Botox has been FDA approved as a treatment for crossed eyes since 1989.
What is the average price for Botox?
The average price for Botox will depend on several factors. If you are insured, Botox may be covered by your insurance company for certain conditions, such as chronic migraine.
If you are uninsured, you may find that you can reduce your out-of-pocket expense for Botox, by applying for the [Botox Savings Program][4].
Prescription drug coupons from [RxSaver][5] may also help reduce the price of Botox.
How do you get a Botox prescription?
You will need to see your health care provider, to obtain a prescription for Botox for medical treatment. Botox may only be prescribed after other treatments have failed. You do not need a prescription to use Botox as a cosmetic treatment.
[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/botox
[2]: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/103000s5232lbl.pdf
[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/conditions/overactive-bladder
[4]: https://www.botoxchronicmigraine.com/botox-coverage-costs
[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/botox/coupons
Check With A Health Care Provider Before Getting Botox
Before you get cosmetic Botox, speak with your health care provider about possible risks, or side effects. Botox should only be injected by a trained professional, and in an appropriate, safe setting. Botox parties in private residencies should be avoided. You should not let anyone who is not properly licensed or trained provide injections of Botox or other cosmetic injections.
RxSaver Editors
RxSaver Editors are wellness enthusiasts who help you learn how you can save the most on prescription medication costs and other health-related topics.
Meron Hirpa, MD
Meron Hirpa, MD, is an Internal Medicine Public Health Physician at the Cincinnati Health Department. Dr. Hirpa obtained her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine and completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and holds specialized training in urban health, global health, quality improvement, and health disparities. Dr. Hirpa treats a broad spectrum of illnesses in adults. She is dedicated to patient-centered care and equity and is passionate about closing the healthcare gap among different groups. Towards that end, she led award-winning diversity and inclusion initiatives in the healthcare space. In addition to treating her patients, Dr. Hirpa conducts theoretical and clinical research and publishes in academic journals. Dr. Hirpa frequently appears in radio and television programs for healthcare commentaries.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
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