Botox TM
Also called: Botulinum toxin type A
Botox is a drug made from a toxin
produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's
the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food
poisoning called
botulism. Doctors use it in small doses to treat
health problems, including
- Temporary removal of facial wrinkles
- Severe underarm sweating
- Cervical dystonia - a neurological disorder that causes
severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
- Blepharospasm - uncontrollable blinking
- Strabismus - misaligned eyes
Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain
muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects last about
three to four months. Side effects can include pain at the
injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache and upset stomach.
Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping
eyelids. You should not use Botox if you are pregnant or breast
feeding.
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