Botulinum toxin is a synthetic chemical that can be used to treat various nervous system (neurological) disorders. When used in small doses, the toxin also can help stop muscle spasms in certain body areas. In addition, it is more commonly recognized as a cosmetic treatment to reduce furrows and lines in a person’s face.

During botulinum toxin treatments, a tiny amount of the toxin is mixed with saline and injected into a muscle to prevent it from contracting unnecessarily. Usually, between one and 10 injections of botulinum toxin are necessary during a single treatment session.

There are two major forms of botulinum toxin medication:

• Botulinum toxin type A. Commonly known as Botox, it is used to treat various eye conditions (e.g., blepharospasm) and spasms that may be caused by multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury. It is also used to treat cervical dystonia (muscle spasms in the neck) and severe sweating of the armpits (hyperhidrosis). Botox is perhaps best known for its role in cosmetic procedures designed to smooth out facial wrinkles.
  
  
• Botulinum toxin type B. Commonly known as Myobloc, it is used to treat patients with cervical dystonia who develop an abnormal head position (spasmodic torticollis) and neck pain.

Patients who receive botulinum toxin treatments often experience the greatest benefit during the first two to six weeks following the injection. Effects often begin to fade around three to six months after the injection as the nerve regenerates. Patients require regular follow-up treatments to receive continued benefit of the toxin.

Certain people may not be good candidates for botulinum toxin treatments, including patients who previously have been infected with clostridium botulinum toxin (botulism) and those with a history of swallowing problems. In addition, people with certain medical conditions have a greater risk of developing severe swallowing or breathing problems following botulinum toxin treatment.

Some patients who undergo treatment with botulinum toxin may experience certain side effects, but these are not typically considered to be severe. Symptoms of overdose can be similar to the medication’s side effects, but are usually more severe. Patients who have an overdose of botulinum toxin may develop botulism, a potentially life-threatening illness.

Patients who receive botulinum toxin type A for an eye problem may have the urge to become more active with the improvement in vision. However, patients are urged to consult a physician before increasing their level of activity.