Botox's Surprising Role in Movement Disorder Management

Botox is best known for its ability to temporarily smooth facial wrinkles, but it’s also effective for managing movement disorders. It contains Botulinum toxin, which is made safe through special processing for clinical use.

At Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque, neurologist Timothy Ownbey, DO, provides a range of neurological services, including diagnosis and management of movement disorders. Dr. Ownbey provides individualized care, and, if you’re a candidate, may include Botox as part of your treatment plan. 

When administered by a qualified neurologist, it can provide significant relief from movement disorder symptoms that impact quality of life. Let’s explore how Botox is making a difference in the treatment of movement disorders.

How Botox works 

Botox, when injected in small, controlled doses, blocks a chemical responsible for muscle contraction called acetylcholine, temporarily relaxing specific muscles. This makes Botox incredibly effective for movement disorders that involve muscle overactivity. 

Treating dystonia with Botox

Patients with dystonia have involuntary muscle contractions, leading to repetitive movements and abnormal postures. This condition can affect various parts of the body, including the neck, eyelids, and even the vocal cords. Botox injections can help relax the overactive muscles, and provide relief from what are often debilitating symptoms. Our patients often experience improvements in their ability to perform daily activities.

Botox for spasticity

Spasticity is commonly associated with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. It causes  increased muscle stiffness that can interfere with movement and speech. Botox injections can reduce muscle tightness so that patients with spasticity have better range of motion and mobility. 

Managing tremors with Botox

Parkinson's disease can cause involuntary shaking that affects the hands, head, and voice. As Parkinson’s progresses, these tremors can make everyday tasks such as writing, eating, and speaking, challenging. Botox injections, particularly in the hands and neck, can help reduce the severity of tremors. While not a cure, Botox offers substantial symptomatic relief, allowing patients to regain a level of independence and confidence in their daily lives.

Addressing hemifacial spasm

In patients with hemifacial spasm, a nerve or brain malfunction causes involuntary muscle contractions on one side of the face. We can use Botox injections to effectively relax the overactive facial muscles, reducing the frequency and intensity of spasms. Patients typically see improvements within days of treatment, with results lasting several months.

Botox for other neurological conditions

Beyond these specific movement disorders, Botox is also used to treat other neurological conditions such as chronic migraines and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). If you have chronic migraines, Botox injections around the head and neck can reduce headache frequency and severity. In cases of hyperhidrosis, Botox can block the nerves responsible for excessive sweat production.

The importance of professional administration

While Botox is a powerful tool in managing movement disorders, it’s crucial that injections are administered by a qualified and experienced neurologist. Precise injection techniques are necessary to target the correct muscles and avoid potential side effects. Dr. Ownbey performs thorough evaluations to ensure that Botox is the appropriate treatment and administers the treatment safely and effectively.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a movement disorder, contact us at Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque to request a consultation with Dr. Ownbey to explore whether Botox might be the right treatment for you. With expert care, Botox can help you live more comfortably.