Botox & Bladder Dysfunction

Botox stands for Botulinum Toxin and was first detected in 1897 as the source of food poisoning, which was later called botulism. Even if it is popularly used for cosmetic treatments such as for removing wrinkles, it is toxic in nature and quite dangerous if used in large amounts. The toxin has been in use in cosmetic treatments for decades and has recently been considered for treating ailments such as multiple sclerosis, muscle spasm, esophageal disorders and bladder dysfunction. The surprising fact about Botox is that the same drug taken in excess is fatal while taking it in small quantities can actually save lives.

Botox: Botulinum Toxin

• Botox is a highly toxic substance generated by Clostridium botulinum, an anaerobic bacterium, which generally thrives in soil. The bacterium produces a series of neurotoxins, called botulinum neurotoxins, divided into sub-parts from A to G. Toxicity in humans is generally caused due to types A, B, E and, in rare cases, F. The botulinum neurotoxin popularly used in cosmetic and other treatments is Type A and is manufactured in United States by Allergen as the product BOTOX®.

Bladder Dysfunction

• Bladder dysfunction is an urological disorder which can be treated using Botox injections. The condition affects both men and women and is characterized by symptoms such as incontinence, overactive bladder, difficulty in passing urine and obstruction in the urinary tract. The condition is also called voiding dysfunction and is basically difficulty in emptying and filling the bladder. This is mainly attributed to problems in muscles of the bladder. Apart from this, certain strong medicines and neurological disorders may also lead to bladder dysfunction.

How Botox Helps in Treating Bladder Dysfunction?

• When Botox was first being used for treating wrinkles by targeting facial muscles, further research was carried out to find out its use in treating other muscle-related disorders. The treatment is considered when other methods to treat the condition have not worked. Botox injections work by paralyzing the muscles of the bladder. This ensures that the bladder no longer contracts on its own, thus curing incontinence. The injection generally takes effect within seven days. The effect of the injection lasts for six to 12 months depending on the age of the person and extent of the disorder.

Who Can Use Botox?

• Botox treatment can definitely improve the condition of the person suffering from bladder dysfunction, enabling him to carry out daily activities with ease. The condition usually affects a person after the age of 40 to 45. The treatment is recommended only when other methods have completely failed. The treatment is very effective and can be used on anyone regardless of age. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women, people with Lambert syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis and if a person is allergic to eggs.

Effectiveness of Botox

• Botox has been very effective in treating wrinkles, taking ages off the face. Similarly, the effects have been positive in treating bladder dysfunction as well as other muscle related disorders. The treatment takes just 30 minutes and requires general anesthesia. No side effects or complications of the treatment have been reported so far and people have found this treatment to be very comfortable and easy to use compared to other forms of treatment.