Treatment for Dystonia Using Botox Injections in LA
Botox injections contain a toxin known as Botulinum which is a naturally occurring bacterium that also causes a rare type of food poisoning. However, after undergoing a purification process, it loses its harmful properties and helps reduce excessive muscle contractions.
The treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin in minuscule, controlled doses directly into the affected muscle. The toxin targets the nerve-muscle junction and prevents the release of acetylcholine, the chemical responsible for triggering muscle contractions.
Since more than one muscle can be affected by Dystonia, multiple Botox injections may be needed to be administered. However, there is still a limit to the quantity of Botox that can be pumped into the body. For this reason, the treatment is more effective for focal Dystonia (symptoms limited to one area) rather than generalized Dystonia (symptoms emerging all over the body).
Botox injections are administered by qualified medical professionals such as doctors, Dystonia nurses, or physiotherapists. The affected region is identified either by electromyography or by observing movements or abnormal postures. The number of injections depends on the severity of the condition.
The treatment usually takes 4–7 days to take effect. In most cases, patients experience relief from the symptoms. The effects of Botox injections usually last for 12 weeks or even longer.
Patients may require a couple of injection cycles for the treatment to be effective. That’s because Dystonia can affect multiple muscles. Also, doctors usually begin with a small dosage of botulinum toxin to mitigate the risk of side effects.
Dr. Farzin Pedouim is a board-certified neurologist and movement disorder specialist in Huntington Beach and Los Angeles. He has helped alleviate Dystonia symptoms for countless patients.