Ultrasound Guided Botulinum Toxin
What is the difference between performing botulinum toxin with or without ultrasound?
Botulinum toxin is the same when applied with or without ultrasound. However, when guided by ultrasound, you can see the muscle, gland, or target structure of the toxin. This greatly increases the accuracy of hitting the intended target, possibly increasing its effectiveness.
When the procedure is guided by ultrasound, the neurologist is able to reach the target more accurately, which is fundamental when the application site is very small (as in glands) or when very deep (as in abnormal movements, dystonias, spasticity and spasms).
When is it necessary to perform ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin?
For some indications, guided or non-guided toxin application can be performed.
Ultrasound-guided toxin application is always recommended when applying:
Botulinum toxin for salivation in the submandibular gland
Botulinum toxin in task-specific dystonia
Botulinum Toxin in Musician's Dystonia
Botulinum toxin in spasticity, when multiple muscles, mainly in the forearm segment
When to apply botox?
Botulinum toxin isindicated for patients withmigraineor othersheadachechronic diseases and can be the first choice of preventive treatment, especially when there is contraindication or patient resistance to oral treatment.
The application of botox in NTrigeminal neuralgia and postherpetic neuralgia and other pains is very effective. Furthermore, it is widely used in the treatment ofDystoniasIt iscephalic tremors (head tremors)
The use inspasticitypost-stroke brings great benefit and aid to rehabilitation to the patient. In some cases of cerebral palsy or sequelae of trauma, botulinum toxin brings enormous relief from pain symptoms due to stiffness of the limbs and also helps with hygiene and patient care.
Dystonia is an involuntary contraction of a muscle group.
Dystonia can be painful or not. And it can happen in limbs, neck, trunk, etc.
Dystonia is an involuntary contraction of a muscle group.
When does the botox effect start?
The action of botulinum toxin can take between 5 and 10 days to start, but thepeak effectis usually felt after14 daysof the application.
How long does the botox action last?
The effect of the toxin tends to lastabout 3 months. This effect may be greater depending on the area where it was applied or the indication.
After this period, the substance must be reapplied, depending on the response, adverse effects and maintenance of the indication.
What are the risks and side effects of botox?
Adverse effects are usuallyminimum, such as weakness in the applied muscle, small bruises at the site and in very rare cases, some allergic reaction. Depending on the muscle in which it is applied, very small needles are used, so that it is not necessary to apply anesthesia and the pain in the application is small.
The big problem is when Botox is performed by someone who has not been trained for it.
Indications such as headache, spasticity, dystonia, spasms, should be performed by atrained doctor, in general, theneurologist!
The best procedure, however, is the one performed at the right time and with precise and individualized indication. Minimally invasive procedures represent one of the stages of the patient's rehabilitation program, but not the only one. The treatment has to be discussed with the specialist and the choice of the best option has to be shared between doctor and patient.
Is it worth doing botox?
In the end, this is the main question.
Botulinum toxin is a great weapon in the arsenal against different problems, from headaches to muscle contractions. But, like other treatments, it is not infallible and should not be seen as a miracle cure for problem.
The most important thing is follow-up and follow-up with theneurologist doctor,so that it is possible to discuss the best alternative in each situation.
We must remember that the best procedure, is the one performed at the right time and with theprecise indicationand individualized. Minimally invasive procedures represent one of the stages of the patient's rehabilitation program, but not the only one.
The treatment has to be discussed with the specialist and the choice of the best option has to be shared between doctor and patient.