Most people know of Botox for its cosmetic uses, which include reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye and forehead region. However, in recent years the medical applications of Botox have become more known and it has been approved to be effective in treating a range of health conditions. Your oral surgeon in Houston shares the 8 uses that have gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval below.
Medical Uses of Botox
To use Botox medically, the substance can be injected directly to the area that causes problems when it spasms. Using Botox medically is different than a cosmetic application and will not produce the same wrinkle-reducing results unless you also receive treatment targeted specifically to these areas. According to the FDA, the following 8 health conditions can be treated with Botox.- Neuromuscular conditions that affect one’s ability to control their muscles, like cerebral palsy
- Severe migraines or chronic headaches: Botox is the only preventive measure that has been approved to help stop severe migraines and headaches
- Excessive underarm sweating
- Incontinence
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Muscle stiffness
- Twitching eyes
- Spasms of the neck and shoulder muscles