Botox Helps in Treating Bell's Palsy and Other Facial Nerve Problems

Botox has revolutionized the world of cosmetics by offering an easy and instant fix for ageing. A new finding states that Botox has lot more to offer than just removing wrinkles.

The new study reveals that the drug can be used to effectively treat the after effects of Bell's palsy as well as other serious nerve problems. Currently an ENT (Ear-nose-throat) surgeon Dr. Mathew Kircher of Loyala University Medical Center is giving his patients Botox injections to treat facial nerve disorders that occur after Bell's Palsy including facial movements called synkinesis.

Bell's palsy is a form of facial paralysis that causes an inability to control the facial muscles on the effected side.  This is the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis.

According to the study report, Botox injections weaken or paralyze the particular muscle or temporarily block the nerve input into the muscle.  This does not cure the person of the facial problem, and the drug's effect lasts for three to four months and the person needs to be injected again.

Facial synkinesis occurs as a result of miswiring of the nerves after a trauma. Due to this, an involuntary muscle movement accompanies a voluntary movement, like if the patient blinks it causes the mouth to smile.

Botox not only improves the symmetry of the face but also lowers the muscle contractures and spasms.  This drug is effective for platysmal banding, the vertical lines that crop up in the neck when muscles contract.

The treatment is gradual with lower doses introduced initially. The dosage is adjusted later according to a patient's response to the treatment, reveals Dr. Kircher .

"While we can never make the face perfect, we have found Botox to be extremely effective. It can make a huge difference in patients' lives, " Dr Kircher adds.