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The American Academy of Neurology has released an updated list of guidelines with regards to the proper use of Botox or botulinum toxin (BTX).

Botox has been known more as an ideal cosmetic application, particularly to address wrinkles to allow people to have younger-looking skin. Botox is however more than that if one digs into its other uses.

More than just treating wrinkles

Among the other uses of Botox include seeing it used as a treatment of chronic medical conditions which cover pain and involuntary muscle movement episodes. When used, a certain neurotoxic protein (Clostridium botulinum) is used to induce temporary muscle paralysis.

Botox thus also prevents nerve endings from releasing a chemical that is behind the muscle movement and pain signalling.

The new guidelines which were released at the AAN’s 68th annual meeting and have appended the previous guidelines released back in 2008 to help physicians when it comes to handling neurological conditions. There were a number of new and interesting disorders added to the list, an appended guide for physicians and specialists.

Under the latest released guidelines, Botox can now be used to treat migraines, strokes, spine-related injuries, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and adult spasticity.

BTX was already used before as a possible treatment on migraines though it was initially viewed as an experimental treatment. Surprisingly, it was found to be highly effective and a better alternative to medications with less side effects.

Blepharospasm, which deals with abnormal and uncontrollable muscle contractions is another addition where the AAN recommends three types of injections as treatment options, all of which are believed to have similar rates of efficacy.

Cervical Dystonia on the other hand covers involuntary contractions of the muscles in the neck and upper shoulders. It covers abnormal postures and movements. Two types of Botox injections are recommended.

Adult Spasticity is the fourth and last addition to the new guidelines. It is a condition tied up with the the heightened, involuntary and velocity-driven muscle tone that may result in resistance to movement.

There are four recommended types of injections for upper limb spasticity and two for lower limb cases.