Botox Treatment Specialist
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Tidewater Neurology
Neurology Specialists located in West Ashley, Charleston, SC, Mt. Pleasant, SC & Goose Creek, SC
Most people know Botox® as a cosmetic treatment for eliminating wrinkles. But they may not realize that Botox was in use for medical conditions long before it became the top aesthetic procedure. The experts at Tidewater Neurology perform Botox injections for neurological conditions associated with uncontrollable muscle contractions and pain. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, or the West Ashley area of Charleston, South Carolina, or use the online booking feature today.
Botox Treatment Q & A
What is Botox?
Botox contains a purified form of botulinum toxin. After your provider injects Botox, the medication stops nerves from releasing certain neurotransmitters. As a result, muscles relax, and pain diminishes.
When might I need Botox?
Botox relieves the symptoms of medical conditions such as:
- Chronic migraines
- Muscle spasticity
- Post-stroke spasticity
- Hemifacial spasm
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hypersalivation
- Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions)
Muscle spasticity frequently occurs in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.
Spasticity refers to muscle stiffness and spasms that cause jerky, uncontrollable movements. The condition is often painful and affects your ability to sleep and complete daily activities. The spasms and pain improve as Botox relaxes the muscles.
Does Botox cause side effects?
Botox has a decades-long history showing it's safe and effective. It's so safe that it's injected into facial muscles to reduce wrinkles. But like all drugs, some side effects are possible.
The most common problems include pain, slight swelling, and bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, the medication may spread beyond the injection site and affect other muscles. Your provider fully explains all possible side effects based on where they plan to place your injections.
What should I expect during Botox treatments?
Your Tidewater Neurology provider begins by identifying the specific muscles that need a Botox injection. Then they inject several small doses, precisely targeting the muscles responsible for your symptoms.
The number of injections you need depends on the underlying condition. As one example, if you have chronic migraines, your provider injects Botox into about seven muscles that trigger these severe headaches.
Your provider uses a thin needle, which significantly reduces any discomfort. However, you can have a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the injections.
After your Botox treatment, you can return to your usual activities, but it's important to avoid rubbing the area. It typically takes several days for the medication to take effect and feel its full impact on your symptoms.
While Botox is highly effective, it produces temporary results. In most cases, your results last about three months, then you need another treatment to maintain your symptom relief.
To learn how Botox may improve your symptoms, call Tidewater Neurology or request an appointment online today.