Chronic muscle spasms are sudden and involuntary contractions of the muscles that happen repeatedly. It is very painful and debilitating for those who suffer from it. Sufferers who experience prolonged bouts of chronic spasms cannot live a normal life. But thanks to new medical treatment, chronic muscle spasms can be treated effectively and safely.
There are a number of reasons why muscle spasms occur, and can be related to another existing health condition, such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances and kidney disease. They may also result from a disease of the nervous system, specifically multiple sclerosis.
Treating Muscle Spasms with BOTOX
BOTOX or Botulinum toxin is an effective way to treat certain types of muscle spasms. BOTOX is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This protein is a neurotoxin that impairs the communication between the nerves and muscles, thereby resulting in temporary paralysis. Administered in controlled doses, mild paralysis has been found to be an extremely effective method of treating muscle spasms.
BOTOX is highly specific and affects the muscles in the injected region. Upon administration, the substance inhibits the transferral of acetylcholine, the chemical responsible in the transmission of signals to make the muscles contract. When the nerve signals are blocked the muscles do not know what to do and become inactive or paralyzed. As the muscles become inactive they do not contract thus preventing muscle spasms.
Medical Conditions treated using BOTOX
Chronic muscle spasms may exist in many areas of the body.
BOTOX helps in treating Blepharospasm, an eye disorder. The eye involuntary blinks which can result in forced eye closure and functional blindness. Patients have difficulty in driving or watching a movie because of this. BOTOX is the single most effective treatment for this condition.
Facial muscle spasm disorders, such as hemifacial spasm, may also be effectively treated.
Treatment extends to sufferers of cervical dystonia, in which the neck twists repeatedly. The cause of cervical dystonia is unknown but stress to the neck is known to aggravate it. The administration of BOTOX allows the neck muscles to relax, enabling the sufferer from performing normal neck movements without pain or discomfort.
Treating muscles spasms with BOTOX is very effective and has only minor side effects. It is also less expensive than most other treatments, especially those involving surgery. A major benefit of BOTOX is that the whole procedure is simple and relatively fast.
BOTOX enables sufferers of chronic muscle spasms the ability to lead a normal life.