For some time, Botox has been gaining popularity for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without surgery. It’s a household name by now and almost everyone has heard of Botox and how it works. But Botox has many other uses that you may not know about. Allergan, the company who makes Botox, currently holds 90 patents for its uses. It has been used to make advancements in the medical field in a variety of ways.

In addition to being used to reduce the wrinkles on the face, Botox can be used to treat:

  • Blepharospasm, an involuntary clenching of the muscles that control the eyelids. In a mild form, this causes uncontrolled blinking, but can progress to an inability to open the eyes, which causes functional blindness. Applying Botox to the affected muscles can reduce the excessive contractions.
  • Cervical Dystonia, a painful condition in which a person loses control of their neck muscles. The twisting, abnormal postures and repetitive movements associated with this condition can be relieved with Botox.
  • Chronic Migraines. Around 3.4 million Americans suffer from chronic migraines, which are characterized by a person having a headache 15 or more days per month that last for more than 4 hours. This debilitating condition can also lead to depression and anxiety. A dose of Botox every 12 weeks can prevent these headaches from occurring.
  • Severe Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for severe sweating, where a person sweats up to 4 or 5 times more than normal. Botox applied to the underarms can stop sweating for approximately 6 months and the treatment can be repeated as needed.
  • Strabismus, a visual defect that occurs when the eyes do not properly align. It affects nearly 4% of the population. For those over 12 years old, it can be corrected when Botox is applied to the muscles that control the eye.
  • Upper Limb Spasticity, a condition that most often affects those who have suffered from a stroke, brain or spinal cord injury, or who have multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. It is characterized by the spasming of the muscles in the wrist, elbow, and/or hand and can result in a permanently clenched fist. This can limit a person’s use of their limb and inhibit their daily activities.
  • Urinary Incontinence. Many neurologic conditions cause urinary incontinence due to a miscommunication between the spinal cord and bladder. The bladder muscle may involuntarily contract, increasing pressure and decreasing volume. Botox treatments can lessen these contractions and ease the pressure.

It’s easy to see how Botox is making a difference in the lives of people suffering from debilitating medical conditions. As research continues, more and more ways are being found to help people through the use of Botox.