BOTOX – a Sign of the Times

Since 2002, when BOTOX was approved by the FDA, for the cosmetic treatment of lines and wrinkles, this revolutionary drug has been heralded as the first sip at the Fountain of Youth.

But, according to BOTOX manufacturer, Allergan, the drug’s medical and therapeutic uses may, eventually, far outweigh its cosmetic popularity. Currently, the company owns or has “pending” more than 90 patents for BOTOX. It has been tested and successfully used for sweating disorders, swallowing problems and muscle spasms.

Perhaps, chief among its current uses and benefits, the treatment for severe Migraine Headaches, reigns supreme. In 2010, BOTOX was again FDA-approved. But this time it was to reduce the often-debilitating effects of Migraine Headaches.

If you have been fortunate enough to never experience a Migraine, its pain is almost indescribable. Different from the regular stress, flu, alcohol, fatigue or other headaches, the Migraine Headache takes no prisoners.

The pain is severe and often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Commonly, the pain is greatly heightened by sound or light.

BOTOX, carefully injected into the head and neck, has brought life-altering relief to thousands of patients who have been eligible to receive the treatment. BOTOX is only approved for the most severe sufferers who do not respond to other drugs and that experience Migraines, at least, 15 – 20 days a month. For those patients, BOTOX is, indeed, a “wonder drug”.

While universal triggers, dietary or lifestyle, are really not exact, there are some common causes that have been noted: red wine, chocolate, aged cheese, preservatives like MSG, hot, humid weather, sleep disorders and, of course, high stress.

It’s estimated that 15% of the population experience Migraine Headaches; it often runs in families and women are more susceptible than men. Fortunately, the occurrence of Migraines seems to decrease with age.

Then, of course, you can seek BOTOX treatments to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and eliminate your headaches and signs of premature aging, at once!