Botox injections use a naturally occurring toxin to temporarily prevent a muscle from moving by blocking chemical signals to nerves. Botox is the first commercially available drug to safely utilize the botulinum toxin.
The most common use of Botox injections is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead.
However, Botox injections are also used to treat pain and how the body functions.
Below, you’ll find more information about Botox including the many ways it can be utilized in a customized treatment plan at CSNA.
To schedule an appointment with a Botox injection specialist, please call 719-473-3272 or contact a CSNA representative online.
Botox Injections for Chronic Migraine
If you experience migraine symptoms for more than 15 days a month, Botox injections may help reduce both frequency and severity by preventing activation of pain networks in the brain.
Botox used to treat migraines is identical to Botox used to smooth facial lines and wrinkles.
However, instead of injecting Botox around the eyes and forehead, Botox for migraines is often injected behind the hairline, in the base of the neck and shoulders, depending on the patient.
Botox injections for migraines typically last 10 to 12 weeks, and many patients find that pain and frequency decrease by nearly 50 percent. It can take up to six months to maximize the benefits of Botox in a treatment plan.
Botox injections for chronic migraine is an ongoing treatment typically repeated every four months or so.
Since the FDA has approved the use of Botox to treat migraines, treatment is typically covered by most plans including Medicare and Medicaid.
Botox Injections for Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, affecting one or more parts of the body. Dystonia can be treated with Botox injections in a localized manner (e.g., just the neck, shoulder, etc.).
Botox injections for dystonia involves blocking the neurotransmitter chemicals that signal the muscles to contract and spasm. Botox used at cosmetic surgery facilities is the same Botox used to treat dystonia; however, the injection location and dosage is different, depending on the patient.
Botox injections for Dystonia is an ongoing treatment plan typically repeated every three to four months, which gives your provider the incredible benefit of adjusting injection sites to optimize efficacy.
Botox used to treat dystonia is covered by most medical insurance providers including Medicare and Medicaid.
Botox Injections for Spasticity
Spasticity is a muscle control disorder that involves tight or rigid muscles and the inability to control them. Spasticity is caused by signaling problems between the central nervous system and the muscles in the body.
Patients with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, or other conditions affecting the spinal cord often experience spasticity.
The benefits of Botox for spasticity include better movement and range of motion, decreased pain and improved gait pattern.
Generally, this treatment option takes no longer than 20 minutes to perform. Most patients start to see results within a few days, with maximum results occurring a couple of weeks later. Relief from spasticity symptoms lasts approximately three months.
Botox used to treat spasticity is covered by most medical insurance providers including Medicare and Medicaid.
Botox Injections for Sialorrhea
Sialorrhea is a neurological condition that results in excess saliva and subsequent drooling.
Sialorrhea, or excessive drooling, is a major issue for children with cerebral palsy and adults with neurological disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Parkinson’s disease.
Botox injections for sialorrhea involves administering Botox in the salivary glands using ultrasound to guide the needle.
Botox effectively blocks the function of the salivary glands, which decreases the amount of saliva produced. Botox injections for sialorrhea is an ongoing treatment typically repeated every three to four months.
Botox used to treat excessive drooling is covered by most medical insurance providers including Medicare and Medicaid.
Explore Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Botox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced physician and can be combined with other treatment options and therapies to improve results.
If you have questions about Botox or if you’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options available at CSNA, please call 719-473-3272 or contact a CSNA representative online.