Botox is a big surprise to a medical community for its alternative using. Although the drug is approved for nine medical conditions including cosmetic ones. Allergan, the company that owns botox, still hold close to 800 patents for potential uses of the drug.
Botox has indeed become the pillar of cosmetic enhancement.
Interesting information is that almost half of the revenue comes from its therapeutic uses from twitching eyelids to chronic migraines. Botox is mostly safe to use in tiny amounts and has administered by a licensed professional. Once the drug was approved in the U.S for one medical condition, doctors are legally allowed to prescribe it for any medical issue they think it could help. Some experts have the theory that more research is needed to understand how Botox works.
Here are some interesting uses of Botox:
Chronic migraines
A plastic surgeon named Dr. William Binder observed that when he gave people Botox for wrinkles, They reported fewer headaches. Allergen later tested the drug on people with chronic migraines, and Botox was approved for the disorder in 2010. There is a question it placebo effect, or it’s affecting migraines says Dr. Denise Chou, As an assistant professor of neurology at Columbia University Medical Center. Other medications help with migraines like antidepressants, anti-blood pressure drugs, etc.
Overactive bladder
At Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, there was a study where over 70% women treated with Botox reported about three leaks a day, compared with the average of five leaks a day. But sometimes, Botox can shut down the bladder too much, and then the catheter needs to be used.
Depression
Many experts are still skeptical about the use of Botox in treating Depression. It is based on the facial feedback hypothesis, the mechanism that a person’s facial expression can influence their mood. 2014 Study shows that of 74 people with depressive disorder found that 52% of people who received Botox reported a drop in symptoms six weeks later, compared with 15% of the people given a placebo.
Crossed eyes
About 4% of Americans have this disorder called strabismus, where the eyes do not line up in the same direction. It was one of the first approval of Botox, and it’s FDA approved.
Excessive underarm sweating
Scientist in Allergan began studying can Botox help with a condition called severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis. A doctor noticed that their patients that have been treated for facial spasm are sweating less, so they begin to studying one side effect to cure other.
Abnormal Heartbeat
After the heart surgery, there is an increased heartbeat called postoperative atrial fibrillation. Allergen is exploring Botox as a form of the therapy to prevent this phenomenon. After the quarter of a century, doctors can start using Botox in the alternative areas, after having a good understanding of where can Botox help.
Severe Neck Spasm
Around 2000 Allergan got approval for Botox in treating a disorder called cervical dystonia. It can help with severe neck pain and abnormal head position.
