Botox Therapy (Neurology)

What Is Botox Therapy?

Botulinum toxin (eg. Botox) therapy is used to treat many neurologic disorders, including:

Blinking or twitching of the muscles on one side of the face
Dystonias
Spasticity from strokes, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries
Pathologically abnormal sweating, and drooling
Headache and other painful conditions

Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. When purified and delivered exactly where needed, it becomes a powerful therapeutic agent. There are seven known types of C. botulinum toxin, but only types A (Botox®, Xeomin, Dysport, and Daxxify) and B (Myobloc®) are used as medical treatments.

Providers at the Botox Unit at UR Medicine use botulinum toxin for medical treatments. For more information on cosmetic treatments using Botox, view cosmetic injectables and fillers.

UR Medicine's Approach

Botulinum therapy aims to ease muscle spasms and pain, improving how muscles work by reducing activity of overactive muscles. It involves injecting a tiny amount of botulinum toxin into muscles to block nerve messages that cause spasms.

However, the effects of Botulinum don't last forever. They usually wear off after 3 to 4 months because new nerve endings can make muscles spasm again. People might need more injections regularly. Sometimes, physical or occupational therapy can also help muscles work better.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine Neurology is a recognized leader for developing superior clinicians and scientists and has developed a national reputation for excellence in residency training in adult and child neurology and numerous subspecialties. The department is rich with dedicated faculty, an outstanding blend of academic and clinical training, exposure to nationally recognized specialists and a supportive environment provide residents with the opportunity to truly excel in their fields.