When the muscles contract in unusual or uncontrollable manners, it can cause an issue involving damage to the nervous system. All of the movements in the body are controlled by the brain. When the body wants to move certain parts, signals are sent to the area of the brain that is responsible for our motor skills.
When there has been damage to the nervous system, these signals will be sent without instruction from the brain or body, causing spastic muscle movements.
There are a variety of different ways the nervous system can become damaged. Some children are born with cerebral palsy and this is a type of brain damage that affects the control of the muscles firsthand.
Adults who suffer from multiple sclerosis, a stroke or a brain injury can also be forced to contend with this incapacitating diagnosis.
The majority of patients experience upper-limb spasticity as a result of damage to the nervous system. Beyond hindering the body by moving uncontrollably, the condition can be painful as the arms may move into and remain in uncomfortable positions. The muscles will remain perpetually flexed and contracted.
When the arm diverges into an awkward position, pain can become intense. The shoulder may rotate and the fist will clench and flex. The arm can remain in this state for a very long time, making regular daily activities impossible to complete.
Beyond the pain and discomfort, many patients find the condition to be embarrassing. It can be unnerving to know that your limbs may act uncontrollably at any point in time. People may refrain from social activities and become withdrawn.
How Can Botox Help?
While Botulinum Toxin, otherwise known as Botox, is most commonly recognized as a means of cosmetic enhancement, it has been approved by the FDA as a way of effectively treating spasticity of muscles.
Botox injections are able to help those suffering from uncontrollable spasms, as they will block the release of the chemical acetylcholine. Acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter with the brain, sending messages to the nervous system to move the muscles. When this chemical is blocked, the muscles will become temporarily paralyzed. In turn, limbs will relax and function normally.
Botulinum Toxin is helping people who suffer from this issue experience relief and normality. However, there may also be a few side effects. They include:
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Weakness of Muscles
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Arm Pain
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Fatigue
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Nausea
These side effects are rare and temporary. For the majority of people, Botulinum Toxin is a safe way to treat muscle spasms. When injections are combined with a regimen of physical therapy, results can be highly satisfactory.
If you are experiencing spasticity of muscles, contact your doctor to find out if Botox injections are right for you.