Botox

Muscle Spasms

Botox® is a muscle relaxant that continues to be widely used for people suffering from chronic muscle spasms and migraines.  When an injection of Botox® is administered between a nerve and a muscle, it blocks the release of acetylcholine (a substance that causes a muscle contraction) and causes the muscle to relax.  With ultrasound guidance, Botox® is injected precisely into the desired area. Usually, relief from the muscular pain happens within a week or two.  Botox® typically lasts for about three months.  After the benefit fades and  the muscle becomes overactive again the procedure can be repeat, which is typically four times/year..  Physical therapy can also be used in conjunction with Botox® in order to maximize the benefits and help with ongoing flexibility to reduce muscles spasms and improve function.  Long term use of Botox® for pain due to chronic muscle spasms has been shown to be very effective with minimal side effects such as soreness or swelling right after the injection.

Botox as a Muscle Relaxant for Cerebral Palsy

Migraines

Botox® for chronic migraines with over 15 headaches per month is a preventive treatment with injections by a physician every 12 weeks that on an average stops 8-9 migraines.  If you are an adult suffering from chronic migraines, Botox® may be the right treatment for you.  As with all our procedures, the injections are done in office.  The needles are very small and each treatment usually consists of 31 injections that are centered in the forehead, side of the head, and neck.