January 03, 2019
BOTOX Injection for Treatment of Muscle Spasms and Limb Stiffness

“Best results are expected with skilled procedure, proper muscle selection and appropriate dosage of Botox”, says Dr. K M Hassan, Jaypee Hospital, Noida

What is botulinum toxin or Botox?

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. BTX types A and B are used in neurological practice to treat muscle spasms/stiffness and diseases characterised by overactive muscles. Botox injection is most commonly available preparation.

How does Botox help?

Botox relieves muscle spasm and stiffness, and also helps reduce pain thereby improving quality of life.Botox therapy is a key component of neurorehabilitation for post-stroke spasticity and cerebral palsy.

What are the neurological conditions in which Botox is beneficial?

Botox is used to treat a number of neurological disorders:

  • Post-stroke spasticity, spasticity of multiple sclerosis, post-head injury &post-spinal cord injury
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Chronic migraine
  • Dystonias –
    • blepharospasm (abnormal contraction of eyelids),
    • hemifacial spasm (involuntary contraction of one side of face),
    • cervical dystonia (involuntary contraction of neck muscles causing awkward postures),
    • oromandibular dystonia (forceful contraction of face, jaw, tongue),
    • writer’s cramp (cramps/spasms of muscles of hand and/or forearm during writing),
    • spasmodic dysphonia (strainedvoice)
  • Chronic muscle pain

How does Botox work?

Botox prevents release of neurotransmitter acetylcholine from nerve endings at neuromuscular junction which stops nerves from signalling leading to decreased muscle tone.

How is Botox administered?

Botox is injected by Neurologists with special interest in management of dystonias and spasticity. Botox is injected at multiple sites into overactive muscles or underneath skin depending on the neurological condition. Results are best in skilled hands with proper muscle selection and appropriate dosage of Botox.

How long does the effect of Botox last?

Induced weakness of overactive muscles is temporary and repeat injections of Botox are required after 3 to 6 months depending on the clinical condition.

Is Botox safe in clinical practice?

Botox is generally considered safe in clinical setting. Rarely, Botox can spread to distant areas andreduce tone of unintended muscles.

Botox Treatment at Jaypee Hospital

The author has vast experience and expertise in use of Botox bringing relief to many hapless patients of dystonias, post-stroke spasticity and cerebral palsy.

Dr. K M Hassan,
Director
Department of Neurology
Jaypee Hospital, Sector 128, Noida.