5 More Non-Cosmetic Uses for Botox

Last month, I wrote about the role of Botox in the physical rehabilitation of a British girl who suffered a stroke at the age of 15. But what are some of the other non-cosmetic uses for Botox?

A quick refresher: Botox Cosmetic is a popular nonsurgical alternative to facelift. Like Dysport, Botox is made from botulinum toxin, which has the ability to inhibit nerve signals at targeted muscles. Botox Cosmetic has become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country since it was introduced in 2002. However, Botox is been used for therapeutic purposes for several decades.

Chronic migraines. These blinding headaches can often be caused by pressure on certain facial nerves. Botox relaxes certain muscles on the face, which relieves pressure on these nerves. Brow lift surgery, curiously enough, has also been shown to cure certain types of chronic migraines.

Teeth grinding. Can you imagine the shock of waking up in searing pain – to find a cracked or broken tooth? People often grind their teeth in their sleep, which causes serious wear and tear over time. Botox can relax certain jaw muscles to diminish or even eliminate involuntary teeth grinding.

Excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that involves severe sweating from the armpits. Antiperspirants are often unable to help. In the same way that Botox is able to block nerve signals to muscles, it can also block signals to sweat glands. This inhibits excess sweating at the source.

Overactive bladder. Recent research has shown that Botox may be able to treat people with urge incontinence. A new study of nearly 250 women showed that a one-time injection in the bladder worked as well as daily pills after six months.

Hay fever. Even I was surprised to hear about this one. Australian researchers are conducting a trial of a Botox gel that could provide relief to sufferers of hayfever for up to three months. By applying the gel within the nasal cavity, it penetrates the tissue and blocks local nerve endings. If successful, this treatment could provide relief for hayfever sufferers worldwide.