02 Apr How Can Botulinum Toxin Treat Neurological Disorders?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium responsible for botulism. It was invented by a German physician who described poisoning after the ingestion of a sausage. This toxin can also be said to be a protein consisting of 7 related A-B toxins. Each Botulim toxin molecule comprises of a heavy and a light chain, connected by a disulphide bond. Both these heavy and light chains contribute to the toxicity of this toxin. The heavy chain helps the protein to bind to and enter a neuron, after which the light chain cleave proteins that would allow neurotransmitters to leave the cell. In simpler terms, this toxin weakens the muscles and stops them from contracting, so as to prevent paralysis. It is used to treat a variety of different medical conditions.
How does Botulinum toxin work?
The nerves in our body generally release a chemical called acetylcholine from its endings, which indicates the muscles to contract. The Botulinum toxin stops the nerve fibers that control muscles from working the way they normally do. It acts as a blocking agent, which prevents the release of certain neurotransmitters from the endings of the motor nerves. This means that the acetylcholine is stopped from being released with the use of the Botulinum toxin, which does not let the muscles to contract. This is why the ailments that arise due to overcontracted or tight muscles are cured with this toxin. Botulinum toxin can be used to cure various ailments including cervical dystonia, torticollis, hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, spasticity, focal dystonia, tremor, spasmodic dystonia, and many others.
How is Botulinum toxin injected?
The procedure for injection of Botulinum toxin to treat a neurological disorder is very simple. Firstly, the area for injection is properly cleaned, and depending upon the condition of the patient, he may be given a local anesthesia. Then, the injection is injected by the doctor with only a small amount of liquid being injected. While this procedure has can treat various ailments, its effects are seen only for a few months, generally between 3-6 months. Therefore, you will have to undergo this treatment every few months. However, it is very important that this toxin is provided in the perfect spot where required for effective treatment. If the toxin is given in the wrong spot, it can lead to many side effects. Therefore, only a specialized neurosurgeon should be approached for treating an ailment with Botulinum toxin. One such professional is Dr. Shivam Om Mittal, who is a well-known and experienced neurologist having his own specialized Botulinum toxin clinic in UAE.
Are there any side-effects of the Botulinum toxin?
There are certain possible side effects of the Botulinum toxin. For example, it could cause weakness in the muscles, drooping of eyelids, blurred vision, over production of tears, difficulty in swallowing, noisy breathing, rough voice, itchiness, headache, and fatigue. However, all these side-effects are temporary and vanish with time. But, to avoid any other severe complications, it is important to note that you must avoid injecting Botulinum toxin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
