Therapeutic Uses of Botulinum Toxin

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Botulinum toxin is a protein product of the gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, it also contains the same toxin found in food poisoning. After purification, botulinum toxin became the first bacterial toxin to be used in medical treatments. (5 Vangelova) After being injected into the body, the toxin attaches itself to nerve endings at the point where the nerves join muscles. The chemical acetylcholine is released which then signals the muscles to contract resulting in weakness and paralysis. Extra contractions are blocked by the injections into the muscle but leave enough strength for normal use. (Vangelova) This botulism toxin is categorized into 7 serotypes (A though G). Type A of botulism toxin is most commonly known as Botox. The Botox toxin is recognized as the most potent and has been studied the most for clinical use. Although botulinum toxin is a lethal toxin, it can be used as an effective and powerful medication by injecting minimum quantities of the toxin into overactive muscles. (Shipla) In 2002, Botulinum type A was approved and has since become a popular cosmetic treatment to help minimize the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, along with the smoothing of skin for a younger appearance. (Botox: Beyond Cosmetic Fixes) The use of this type A Botulinum toxin is rapidly expanding to include a variety of treatments including ophthalmological disorders, gastrointestinal, urological, orthopedic, dermatological, secretory, painful and cosmetic disorders. (Jankovic)
Botulinum toxin first gained clinical acceptance as a result of marked benefits it produced in patients with dystonia. This neurological disease involves chronic abnormal muscle posture and tension. (5 Vangelova) Dystonias are clas...

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...eda, Juan, and Joseph Jankovic. "Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Injections in Dystonia." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 04 Feb. 2013. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. .
9. Karp, Barbara Illowsky. "Botulinum Toxin Physiology in Focal Hand and Cranial Dystonia." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. .
10. Lakraj, Amanda-Amrita D., Narges Moghimi, and Bahman Jabbari. "Hyperhidrosis: Anatomy, Pathophysiology and Treatment with Emphasis on the Role of Botulinum Toxins." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 13 Apr. 2014.

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