Botulinum toxin, injected in very small amounts, can be used safely to treat many medical and neurological conditions.
Injected with a thin needle at the site where you need it, the toxin stops unwanted muscle contractions by temporarily reducing nerve transmissions. Most people tolerate the injections well, and the effects last approximately three months.
Injections are available under several brand names, including Botox, Myobloc, Dysport, Jeuveau and Xeomin.
What Does Botox Treat?
Botulinum toxin injections can help treat a variety of neurological and medical conditions, including the following:
- Chronic migraine headaches
- Dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes severe muscle spasms and contractions
- Excessive drooling (sialorrhea) in adults with Parkinson's disease and other conditions
- Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating
- Jaw pain caused by hypertrophy of the masseter, one of the muscles you use to chew
- Overactive bladder
- Tourette syndrome
- Spasticity, an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness
- Strabismus, or misaligned eyes
Rush dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons also use botulinum toxin to temporarily smooth facial wrinkles for cosmetic purposes.
Meet our botulinum toxin injections (Botox) providers
Rush Excellence in Botulinum Toxin Injections
- System-wide expertise: Rush has many specialists who are experts in the use of botulinum toxin injections, including neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, dermatologists, craniofacial specialists and facial surgeons who are experts in making sure your injections improve function while also providing great aesthetic results.
- Top-ranked innovation and experience: Rush’s neurology program was the first in Chicago to offer patients botulinum toxin injections for neurologic conditions, and its specialists who administer the injections are some of the most experienced in the country. U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush University Medical Center among the nation's best for neurology and neurosurgery.
- Renowned dystonia experts: Botulinum toxin injections relax the excessive muscle contractions that cause dystonia and spasticity. The Rush Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center is internationally known for its work in treating dystonia, and is home to the headquarters of the Dystonia Study Group, a national group of clinical dystonia experts.
- Comprehensive care: Facial surgeons at Rush provide the most comprehensive list of facial procedures in the Chicago area. If you need treatment in addition to your injections, such as a bite guard to reduce jaw pain, we have an expert orthodontist on staff.
