Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin with many therapeutic uses. At Delaware NeuroRehab in Dover, Wilmington and Newark, Delaware, Haresh Sampathkumar, MD, and the interdisciplinary team provide botulinum toxin injections to treat neurological conditions like spasticity, dystonia, and spinal cord injuries. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about botulinum toxin therapy for neurological conditions.

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The toxin is purified and injected into specific body areas for medical uses.

The neurotoxin temporarily stops the transmission of nerve signals to the brain or prevents muscle movement. Most people know botulinum toxin as Botox®, a popular cosmetic treatment. But botulinum toxin — and Botox — benefits many health conditions.

Delaware NeuroRehab provides botulinum toxin injections to treat neurological conditions. They offer two brands of the neurotoxin — Botox and Xeomin®.

Am I a candidate for botulinum toxin?

The Delaware NeuroRehab team determines if you’re a candidate for botulinum toxin after a consultation. They provide the injection to treat neurological conditions, including:

• Spasticity
• Cervical dystonia (uncontrollable tightening of neck muscles)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sialorrhea (hypersalivation, overproduction of saliva)
• Blepharospasm (uncontrollable tightening of the eyelid muscles)
• Chronic migraines

Before recommending botulinum toxin, the team usually tries less invasive treatments and therapies, like medication and therapy.

What happens during botulinum toxin injections?

Your provider at Delaware NeuroRehab customizes your botulinum toxin treatment plan based on your diagnosis. They review the details of your injections at your consultation so that you know what to expect.

First, your provider cleans the skin at the site of your injections with an antiseptic. Then, they carefully and expertly inject small amounts of the neurotoxin into specific areas. You might need several injections at the site to get the best results.

The team uses a tiny needle for botulinum toxin therapy, so pain is minimal and well-tolerated by most people. Your treatment could take an hour or less, depending on the number of injections you need.

You can resume your usual routine after your botulinum toxin treatments.

When can I expect results from botulinum toxin treatments?

When you can expect results from your botulinum toxin treatments varies and depends on the reason for the injections. In some cases, you get relief from your symptoms within a few days or weeks.

But some conditions require more than one set of injections before you notice improvements in your symptoms.

Botulinum toxin treatments are temporary, and the team recommends you return to the office to repeat your injections every three to four months.

Call Delaware NeuroRehab today or schedule an appointment online to learn how botulinum toxin therapy can help you.