While many are not familiar with the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, most people have experienced the after effects of infection. Mainly, this bacteria causes horrible stomach cramps and commonly is contracted as a severe form of food poisoning. At one time, this little bug was a favorite of murderous housewives as well. Used in poisoning, almost as much as arsenic only 150 years ago. 

When you consider that today, the bacteria is used for benefits it is hard to compare the bug we know today with the poisonous toxin producer that it has been historically known for. 

Clostridium Botulinum

Modern use of this bacteria is a medical injection known as Botox. “How could Botox be linked with a poisonous toxin and still be safe?” you might ask. It all depends on the use. The same toxin that causes painful stomach cramps when digested is beneficial when used in other parts of the body.

A Helpful Neurotoxin

The benefits were first discovered by a Belgian doctor Emile Pierre van Ermengem. An outbreak of the bacteria had him attempting to determine what was making everyone sick. He realized that the toxin was causing harm through food that was not processed properly but also noted the paralyzing effect. 

Botox is Born

In the 1970s, a doctor was experimenting with ways to fix Strabismus without surgery. Strabismus is caused by weak eye muscles and the result is crossed eyes. Eyeglass therapy was the traditional solution for this but not all people are able to overcome their cross eyes through visual therapy alone. By using a purified forum of the toxin, the overcompensating eye muscle which forces the eyes to cross is relaxed temporarily. With this discovery more researching was done and this is eventually what led into Botox becoming more popular. 

Some of the things that Botox can treat: 

Many people are under the impression that the main purpose of botox is to diminish the look of wrinkles. However, Botox has many other medical purposes that treat a lot off different deformities.

• Cervical Dystonia: A condition where your muscles in your neck contract and cause the neck to involuntarily move and twist in painful positions.
• Migraines: For people who suffer migraines for 15 or more days in a row, Botox can help reduce the pain
• Eye twitching: An involuntary twitch with the muscles of the eye. I
• Overactive bladder: Urinary incontinence due to overactive due to an overactive bladder.
• Hyperhidrosis : A condition that causes a person to sweat excessively regardless of the temperature.
• Cerebral Palsy: When the body causes the limbs to be pulled in towards the center.
• Lazy eye:An imbalance in the muscles responsible for positioning the eye.

The Many Benefits of Botox

Botox was patented in 1977 by the Allergen Company as an injection. Originally, it was mainly used for uncontrolled muscles spasms in the face.  When the patients would go under these operations, doctors noticed that patients had fewer wrinkles in the skin that was over the surface of the affected muscles. Since then has been incorporated into a number of industries including medication the medical field and cosmetic industry.  

First Reason:

Aside from the cosmetic benefits that botox provides, it also possesses a plethora of medical benefits. Because of its paralyzing attributes, it’s used with people with muscles spasm and incontinence. People who suffer from migraines also benefit greatly because it reduces the pressure and allows the pain to subside. 

Second Reason:

Many people with facial spasms also undergo botox so that it can paralyze the facial muscles and cause less spasms. People who suffer from a lazy eye or eye twitching use it to paralyze the eye muscles so they can use their eyes to focus better. 

Cosmetics

Botox is mainly used in cosmetics for skin conditions such as wrinkles. The FDA approved doctors use of Botox cosmetically in 2002. Once it officially hit the market, it also hit sales like a freight train. The manufacturer, allergen, sold $831 million dollars worth of Botox in 2005 and is continuing to grow to this day. Botox was the first cosmetic to in to work effectively with minimal casualties, whereas that was not the case with any other cosmetic company.

Risks of Botox 

Of course, as with all great things there are some risks that can be had when choosing to use Botox. The risks include: 

• Bruises and pain when injected
• Flu-like symptoms
• Redness
• Nausea
• Temporary drooping of the face.
• In rare cases,trouble swallowing, breathing, muscle weakens, and slurred speech
• Careful not to rub or touch the injection for risk  of spreading the toxin to other eras of your faceing and causing the muscles to go slack.

To Avoid Risks, ALWAYS: 

Consult your personal doctor or a medical professional before undergoing the procedure. Especially if you have any of the following pre existing condition.

• Breathing problems, or asthma
• Have had facial surgery’
• Plan to go under surgery
• Have bleeding issues
• Having difficulty swallowing
• Have droopy eyelids
• Have ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Myasthenia gravis, Lambert Eaton Syndrome, or any other muscular diseases. 

Is Botox Best For You?

Only you and your medical provider can determine if Botox is best for you, however many people can benefit by its use. If you want to get rid of those frowning wrinkles or you have issues with head splitting migraines, then Botox very well may be a viable and healthy solution to your issues. 

If you yearn to maintain that youthful beauty that you once had by getting rid your your wrinkles, then this is definitely the a good direction. Boosting your confidence and self esteem is alway something to take care of along with your overall health.

Weigh the pros and cons of the idea and go from there. Consider the risks and don’t rush into the procedure without careful preparations. Make sure you are not on any medication or dietary supplements that will interfere with the process. Stay clear of drugs or alcohol before and some time after the procedure.