Definition:

Botulinum toxin (Botox®) is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is diluted and prepared for medical treatment of painful muscle spasms, involuntary movements, and pain disorders. It is also used for cosmetic purposes. In the United States, it is sold commercially under the brand names of Botox® and Myobloc®.

What is Botox® used to treat?

• Cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis)

• Blepharopasm (involuntary blinking)

• Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

• Spastic disorders associated with nervous system disorders including trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and others.

• Focal dystonias (e.g. writer’s cramp, muscicians dystonia)

• Sialorrhea (excessive salivation)

• TMJ pain disorders

• Migraine and Tension Headaches

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

How to prepare for my Botox® treatment?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes

• Some frequent Botox® users report that taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to prepare for the injection reduces swelling and pain from the injections.

• If you are returning to work immediately after your Botox® treatment, be aware that you may have some mild redness or bruising around the injetion sites.

• After the Botox® treatment, you can return to your daily activities almost immediately.

• Tell Dr. Klos if you:

... bruise easily
... have hemophilia
... have a pacemaker
... have a skin infection