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Pain Treatments

Botox-A for Cervical Dystonia

Botox-A for Cervical Dystonia

BOTOX® is the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large doses, this toxin can cause paralysis of the muscles and is referred to as botulism; this is often associated with food poisoning. Small amounts of this toxin when diluted can be directly injected into certain muscles, causing long-term muscle relaxation.

The FDA approved Botox-A in the late 1980s when it was discovered that BOTOX® could stop certain conditions. Physicians involved in aesthetics have been using BOTOX® for anti-aging purposes (wrinkle reduction) for many years. Within the past few years, new products that have similar preparations have been introduced into the U.S. market and have been well-received by patients.

These are the commercially available formulations in the U.S.:

  • BOTOX®: OnabotulinumtoxinA
  • Dysport®: AbobotulinumtoxinA
  • Xeomin®: IncobotulinumtoxinA

BOTOX® blocks the end of the nerve terminal from releasing a very specific neurotransmitter that allows the muscle to contract, therefore allowing the muscle to relax.

Results vary person to person, but on average the reduction in muscle spasm will last for 3-6 months.

The risk of a complication from BOTOX® injection is very low. Rarely, complications include bleeding or infection at the injection site, which is unusual for this procedure. Most of the time, these effects resolve within a few hours.

Apply ice to the injection site for 20 to 30 minutes a few times the day of and the next day following the procedure. It is normal to have post-injection tenderness after this procedure for a couple of days.

You can continue your regular diet and medications immediately.

Your response after this initial injection will be a major deciding factor in determining whether repeat injections are to be performed.

Not sure what treatment options are best for you?  Contact us today to see how we can help you.

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