Patients

There are many neurological problems which affect the brain and/or spinal cord and a person’s ability to move their muscles. This is often accompanied by increased difficulty controlling movements of the body parts.  Botulinum neurotoxin is a medication that attempts to improve the ability to move and function with some of these difficulties.

Botulinum neurotoxins are naturally occurring substances which interfere with the nerves ability to “talk” to the muscle.  When injected into a muscle, these medications decrease muscle tightness, make the muscle weaker, and allow for easier movement of muscles and joints.

Botulinum toxin injections are usually performed on an outpatient/office bases.  Each muscle can receive one or more injections.  The Physician calculates proper dosage for each muscle, depending upon desired therapeutic effect.

Botulinum neurotoxins are FDA approved for strabismus, cervical dystonia (torticollis), glabellar lines, blepharospasm, some cranial nerve disorders, and cosmoses. 

Other uses that are supported in the medical literature include:

Ø     Spasmodic dysphonia

Ø     Task specific dystonia (such as writer’s cramp)

Ø     Hemifacial spasm

Ø     Spasticity (related to Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, etc.)

Ø     Achalasia (esophageal)

Ø     Chronic anal fissures

Ø     Migraine and tension headaches

Ø     Hyperhidrosis

Ø     Cerebral Palsy

Ø     Low back pain

Ø     Myofascial pain syndrome

Ø     Tics

Ø     Spastic bladder or urinary sphincters

Onset and duration of effect: Onset in 3-10 days, with effect lasting 8-12 weeks or longer.

Side effects and complications:

Rare side effects are associated with Botulinum toxin injections. As with any injection, there is a risk of pain or tenderness as well as infection and swelling at the injection site. Hematoma, skin rash, possible transient weakness in muscles beyond what is expected may also be associated. Only non-contraindications are: known hypersensitivity/allergy to component of the medication, generalized movement disorders, and use of aminoglycoside antibiotics, spectinomycin, and known on-going malignancy.

Botulinum neurotoxins are well tolerated can be administered easily on an outpatient/office basis.

Treatment with Botulinum neurotoxin is often most effective if accompanied by a program of appropriate physical and/or occupational therapy for muscle stretching, strengthening, and reeducation.

Effects of Botulinum neurotoxin are temporary and more injections are often necessary.

Our Team:

MSU Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic has a dynamic and well-trained staff to meet patients’ needs. The Botulinum Neurotoxin staff is part of an interdisciplinary team of specialists at the clinic, including Physiatrists (physicians board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), Psychologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Lymphedema Specialists, and Speech/Language Pathologists. Our staff is also a part of the MSU Health Team, enabling communication and referral options with a large variety of health care specialists. 

Insurances Accepted:

Ø      Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Ø      Blue Care Network

Ø      PHP

Ø      Medicare

Ø      Auto

Ø      Workers Comp.

Ø      Other Commercial Policies

Insurance policies differ, not all diagnoses and treatments are covered by all policies.