Did you know that the first patient who received Botox® in clinical patient was an ophthalmology patient? This patient had strabismus (“crossed eyes”) and Botox® was used to weaken one of the muscles that move the eye. Since this time, the use of Botox® have expanded far and wide.
Botox® is most commonly used to treat wrinkles in the upper face, but it can also be used to treat two key issues that I see in my practice on a regular basis: blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
Blepharospasm is a condition in which the eyelids spasm uncontrollably. The treatment of choice is Botox® to relax the overactive muscles. I administer the Botox® using a series of injections around the eyelids. The medicine starts to work in about 3-4 days and its effects last about 3-4 months.
Hemifacial spasm is a condition in which half of the face spasms uncontrollably. In less than 1% of patients, this condition can be caused by a tumor. Therefore, I order an MRI in any patient who presents with this condition. Once I see that the MRI is negative, I perform the Botox® injections as described above.
If you or a loved one might be suffering from one of these conditions, call our office to schedule a consultation with me – (800) 708-8800. Relief might just be a phone call away!
