Botulinum toxin Botulinum toxin is produced from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This organism produces 8 different types of neurotoxic proteins, ranging from type A to type H, but only the first two types are extracted using biotechnology for use in relaxing muscles or solving the problem of chronic spasms. This prescription drug contains a therapeutic dose of the toxin to effectively combat persistent muscle spasms without neurotoxicity.
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What is botulinum toxin used for?
Skeletal muscles require voluntary effort from the brain and nervous system. Nerve impulses are transmitted to the fibers of the muscle tissue, causing contractions and, more preferably, movement. Unfortunately, some patients suffer from spontaneous contractions of muscle fibers, which lead to spasms that make them incapacitated. Botulinum toxin is designed to gently but effectively relax the muscles in the affected areas. Once injected, this toxin prevents nerve impulses from entering the muscle, resulting in temporary paralysis. Thus, the muscles do not move and irritating symptoms are eliminated.
What are the main areas of application?
Muscle-relaxing botulinum toxin solutions are commonly used to treat neurological conditions affecting the limbs, neck and eyelids. Improvements are observed even in the case of using botulinum to treat children suffering from spasms of the lower extremities due to cerebral palsy. In addition, doctors use these drugs to smooth or prevent the formation of glabellar wrinkles. This toxin is a powerful muscle relaxant, so it smoothes the folds of the facial skin, smoothing it. These injections are also used by healthcare professionals to combat excessive underarm sweating. Botulinum toxin also alleviates the condition of patients suffering from chaotic migraines or dysfunction of the genitourinary system.
When does a patient require supportive procedures?
The duration of the effect depends on individual characteristics, including the patient’s state of health and the amount of solution injected. Results are temporary and patients may need supportive procedures as needed. How are they applied? Carrying out procedures using botulinum toxin requires careful preparation and accuracy. This is necessary for optimal results and patient safety. Prior to administering the agent, the physician may need to dissolve the botulinum powder with the recommended amount of diluent — usually a saline solution without preservatives — to form an intramuscular solution. After thorough disinfection of the areas of application, the solution is injected by intramuscular injection. In accordance with necessary conditions, the remaining solution and used medical supplies (for example, needles, gauze) must be inactivated before disposal.
FAQ
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How long is the procedure for using the product?
Typically, one procedure can take less than one hour. It depends on the place of application.
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What are the main types of botulinum?
The bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces 8 types of botulinum toxin, from type A to type H, which can cause disease. However, types A and B are being cleared to provide a medical benefit in the fight against persistent muscle spasms.
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What are the main brands?
The most popular brands of botulinum toxins include Botox Bocouture and Dysport. Patients can choose these brands with confidence as they have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.