Multiple Sclerosis: Treating Multiple Sclerosis With Botox

• What is Botox?
• What is spasticity?
• How does the botulinum toxin work?
• How are botulinum toxin treatments given?
• What are the advantages of botulinum toxin?
• What are the disadvantages of botulinum toxin?
• What are the side effects?
• What does it mean to "develop antibodies" to botulinum toxin?
• Is this treatment right for me?
• Does insurance cover this therapy?
• When should I call my doctor?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• For more information

What Is Botox?

Botulinum toxin, called botox for short, is a muscle relaxing medication used to decrease spasticity related to multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions.

Botulinum toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum and is in a class of drugs called neurotoxins. There are two types of botulinum toxin available for therapeutic use:

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®)
• Botulinum toxin type B (Myobloc®)

Your doctor will decide which type of botulinum toxin is more appropriate for you. Many other types of botulinum toxin have been identified but are not used to treat MS symptoms.

The FDA, despite the drug's effectiveness, has not yet approved the use of botox to treat MS-related spasticity.

What Is Spasticity?

Spasticity refers to a wide range of involuntary muscle contractions that result in muscle spasms or stiffness. Spasticity interferes with voluntary muscle movement and usually involves the muscles of the legs and/or arms.

Spasticity may vary, based on many factors including infections, stress, pain, temperature, position, and time of the day. Over time, severe spasticity may cause decreased range of motion in the affected limbs.

Spasticity is the result of an imbalance in the central nervous system, caused by a trauma or disease in the brain and/or spinal cord. This imbalance causes hyperactive muscle stretch reflexes, which result in involuntary contractions and increased muscle tone.

Some doctors believe that an increased sensitivity in the parts of the muscles that are responsible for contracting (tightening), relaxing, and stretching the muscles contribute to spasticity.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Multiple Sclerosis - Learn about the types of multiple sclerosis and symtpoms including muscle weakness and spasm, fatigue, memory loss, depression, memory loss, impaired judgement and more.

Read more Botox to Treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS) related articles »

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