Botox Treatment

What is Botox® treatment?

Botox treatment refers to the injection of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) into specific areas within the head, neck, or other parts of the body. This type of treatment, called chemodenervation, works by blocking nerve signals at the neuromuscular junction and reducing muscle movements that cause discomfort or pain. 

While Botox is the best-known brand name used for this type of treatment, other brands have similar formulations and are used for the same treatment purposes. 

What conditions might require Botox® treatment?

Botox has a wide variety of non-cosmetic uses, including:  

• Chronic migraines: reduces migraine frequency and intensity 
• Spasticity: relieves muscle stiffness and pain 
• Sialorrhea*: reduces saliva gland production
• Cervical dystonia: prevents neck-area muscle spasms 
• Oromandibular dystonia*: prevents tongue, facial, and masticator muscle spasms
• Blepharospasm: prevents twitching or other unusual eyelid movements

Because Botox and similar BoNT injections have such a powerful effect on the nerves and muscles, they’re one of the most effective methods of managing chronic conditions that cause uncomfortable symptoms. 

If you have one of these conditions, Botox treatment could be right for you. You might try other treatments, like medication, before trying Botox. Many patients explore Botox and other options before they consider permanent interventions like surgery. 

In most cases, you’ll continue with other nonsurgical treatments — for example, bracing and physical therapy for spasticity — during Botox treatment to get the best possible results.  

How often do I need Botox treatment?

Treatment frequency depends on your condition. Botox generally wears off after a few months, so the average treatment interval is every three to four months. 

You’ll notice a gradual return of symptoms when your Botox starts to wear off, but you can prevent this by having Botox treatments at predetermined intervals. The South Valley Neurology team can recommend a treatment plan that keeps you as symptom-free as possible. 

Botox treatment can offer relief from muscle spasms, pain, and other connected issues for as long as several months at a time. To learn more about this exciting nonsurgical treatment option, call South Valley Neurology or use the Request Appointment feature to arrange your consultation now.

*Botox is not yet FDA-approved for treating sialorrhea or oromandibular dystonia, but similar drugs are. The South Valley Neurology team recommends the specific BoNT that works best for your particular needs.