According to Wemove.com, injections of botulinum toxin type A, or Botox Type A, have been used for Dystonia since the late 1980s. Botox is injected into several sites on the dystonic muscle. It is injected near the nerve terminals or the nerve cell that actually causes the muscle to contract. On the inside, the Botox works to block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which initiates muscle movements and spasms. Botox also has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat Cervical Dystonia, which occurs in the neck, head and face, resulting in unusual postures and muscle spasms.
CD Beneficial Effects
Botox can treat Cervical Dystonia, sometimes abbreviated as CD. CD is a chronic condition with symptoms such as muscle spasm and tightness with or without pain, neck and shoulder pain, aches and pain around the neck, head pulling, shifting or turning to one side, shaking or tremor, problems swallowing and symptoms that worse after stress or activity. With Botox, symptoms of Cervical Dystonia may clear up in a few days with relief that may last up to three months. You may receive Botox injections as long as they help your condition and as long as you don't experience any adverse effects from Botox.
Life-Threatening Effects
Problems swallowing, talking or breathing are huge problems after receiving a Botox injection. These problems may occur hours to weeks after the injection. The muscles used to breathe and swallow can be weakened by the injection. Death can happen if breathing or swallowing complications occur and are long lasting. People with certain breathing problems may also be at risk due to these side effects of Botox. If swallowing problems become severe, a feeding tube may be needed to provide the patient with nutrients and prevent starvation.
Toxin Effects
Botox contains the toxin botulinum, which may spread through the body and affect extremities or parts of the body away from the injection site. This may lead to a serious condition known as botulism. The symptoms of botulism are loss of strength and muscle weakness throughout the body, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, hoarseness, change or loss of voice, trouble speaking clearly, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing and trouble swallowing.
Other Effects
Other effects of the Botox injection include dry mouth, discomfort at injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, eye problems such as double vision, blurred vision, decreased sight, drooping eyelids, swelling of eyelids and dry eyes. Allergic reactions may occur as well such as itching, rash, welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, dizziness, feeling faint or fainting. Notify your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms and they persist over a period of time. Allergic reactions can occur and spread rapidly. It is best to get early help before allergies become widespread.
Conclusion
Botox can be literally a life changing drug for many people suffering from dystonia. Patients with dystonia can discuss their options with their doctors. There are also medications that may be combined with the Botox to create additional relief from the disease. Sometimes the treatment is not effective during the first round of injections and people suffering from dystonia should allow Botox the time it needs to work. Second-time injections may work despite the fact the first trial did not.
Tags: Cervical Dystonia, Allergic reactions, Allergic reactions occur, blurred vision, Botox injection, double vision, double vision blurred
