6 medical uses of Botox™ (non-cosmetic)

Botox is not just for beauty; it can treat diseases says eminent plastic surgeon Dr Debraj Shome.

Today, the word Botox has come to be associated with ideas of vanity and affluence. Only the celebs get Botox, say some; while others are more than happy to dole out half-baked information about how Botox is a toxin and how injecting into the body can kill you. One can say that everyone today seems to have an opinion about the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Dr Debraj Shome, award-winning plastic surgeon and founder of The Esthetic Clinics can t help but laugh at these scaremongering folks who liken Botox to lethal poison.

Any drug if taken in a large quantity can kill you, says Dr Shome emphatically. He says that everyone s favourite safe go-to drug, Paracetamol isn t any different. According to the surgeon, the therapeutic index of paracetamol is 20: 1. This means that one Paracetamol can suppress your fever, but 20 of those could destroy your liver and kill you, says Dr Shome. What about Botox? It has a therapeutic index of 100:1; which means it is safer than most of your over-the-counter medication. What s more? Botox was not always used for cosmetic procedures. It was originally intended for therapeutic, medical purposes! Dr Shome lists down 6 of those conditions that Botox can take care of.

Cross eye: The very first time Botox was used by a doctor, was for a medical purpose. Dr Shome says, It was Dr Alan Scott had first used Botox to treat a case of a cross eye. By injecting Botox into the muscles of the eyes that control its movements, the appearance of the cross eye becomes less evident.

Eyelid spasms: The muscles of the eyelids can sometimes start twitching uncontrollably in a condition known as blepharospasm. These muscle contractions can be very painful, at times; and one of the most effective ways of treating is condition is with Botox! The effects of the treatment can last for 2-3 months.

Sweating and body odour: Has your body odour stopped you from enjoying a normal social life? What you need is Botox. Although the treatment has not been approved by the FDA, Botox has been used by doctors to treat excessive sweating in people, says Dr Shome. In this procedure, Botox is injected in the palms, soles of feet, axilla and the groin to block sweat glands. The treatment is not foolproof and only has a 60% success rate, adds the doctor.

Intractable migraine: Migraine is a debilitating condition that can severely limit your life. Imagine the sufferer's plight when it is chronic. Although it is a US FDA approved the procedure, using Botox to treat a migraine is the last line of treatment when nothing else has worked, adds Dr Shome. As part of the treatment, Botox is injected into the head and neck of the patient.

Parkinson s: People suffering from Parkinson s often face the problem of spasticity. In such cases, they experience problems like drooling. Dr Shome says, Normally, any problem that causes spasticity can be controlled with Botox since it is a muscle relaxant. Parkinson s is no different.

Hyperactive bladder: When the muscles of the bladder spasm uncontrollably, it causes forced evacuation of the bladder. Many people who had to live with this embarrassing condition found a ray of home when Botox was used for its treatment. The spasmodic bladder muscles can be relaxed by administering a dose of Botox.

Dr Debraj Shome is an eminent plastic surgeon from Mumbai and has been honoured with many awards for his contributions to the field. Visit his website: http://www.theestheticclinic.com

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