Botox Other Uses
Botox, Xeomin and Dysport are the three currently FDA-approved neuromodulators for wrinkles in the United States. It may surprise you but these drugs are useful for many other medical issues as well. In fact they have been used safely for over 30 years in this country for treatment of neurological disorders. They have been used for cosmetic indications only in the past 10 years.
For excessive perspiration, which can damage clothing and reveal embarrassing stains, neuromodulators can relieve this problem for 6 months with one injection session.
Tension or migraine headaches are also reduced or eliminated with neuromodulators. Injections for relief of headaches are usually placed in the same area as for wrinkle reduction so both issues can be treated in the same session.
Teeth grinding, TMJ syndrome or jaw clenching can be resolved with four injections of these drugs. Grinding the teeth can lead to loss of enamel requiring expensive dental restorations with crowns. TMJ syndrome is pain where the jaw attaches to the facial bone in front of the ear. This pain can be very debilitating, requiring narcotic pain relievers.
The mechanism of action of these drugs is to relax muscle contractions which lead to tension or blood flow into an area. The effect is not permanent and injections may have to be repeated for optimal results. Injections for treatment of these conditions are not covered by insurance.