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Surprising Uses for Botox You’ve Never Heard Of
Published on October 22, 2013 by P.C. M.D. David A. HechtBotox has long been used to treat unwanted signs of aging, especially fine lines and wrinkles; however, you may not know that Botox has a host of far-ranging applications that have little to do with its cosmetic uses, such as:
Excessive sweating
Botox injections can be used to inhibit sweating, especially when it is so excessive as to cause embarrassment or discomfort, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. When topical medications fail, Botox may be the only solution that allows patients to lead normal lives.
Urinary incontinence or overactive bladder
When patients receive Botox injections into the bladder, it blocks signals that tell the nervous system that the bladder is full, ultimately leading to less frequent urination and decreased discomfort.
Chronic migraines
In recent years, Botox has been shown to provide relief to some people who suffered from frequent migraine headaches. In the hands of a skilled injector, several injections are made around the face, head and neck to lessen symptoms.
Children with cerebral palsy
Botox has also been shown to decrease the muscle difficulties associated with CP to allow for better coordination and muscle control in children. This increases the activity level these children are able to manage and improves their quality of life.
More uses are being found for Botox with each passing decade, since the discovery of its therapeutic effects in the late 1960’s. In fact, Botox is the most studied drug in the United States, with more FDA approvals of any tested drug.