You hear about Botox everywhere these days. A relatively simple procedure can lead to a clearing of wrinkles and, consequently, a more youthful appearance. The Botox procedure was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in April of 2002. Botox is the trade name for Botulism Toxin A, which is actually a form of food poisoning! There are several different Botulism toxins, ranging from Botulism Toxin A to Botulism Toxin G. Botulism is caused by the ingestion of the bacteria that is known as clostridium botulinum. Botulism is actually a neurotoxin that is released by the bacteria once ingested. The side effects that are caused by ingesting this neurotoxin can be as serious as paralysis! People have died in the past from botulism due to the fact that the neurotoxin can cause the respiratory muscles to shut down, causing an inability to breathe. In short, the neurotoxin attacks the body by attaching itself to nerve endings, causing them to not be able to release acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for contracting muscles.

Botulism injections are performed to effectively paralyze the muscles of the face, stopping them from moving and consequently causing a lack of wrinkling due to muscle movement. After Botox is injected, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to freeze the muscles. The effects are not permanent, and a Botox treatment can last anywhere from three months to eight months. People that use Botox for beauty often arrange gatherings in which several adults perform the procedure, with such catchy themes as "Botox and Bagels". A Botox injection usually costs somewhere between 250 and 500 dollars per shot. Botox injections are generally well tolerated, but they should not be performed on anyone who is pregnant, nursing, or on an antibiotic regimen. If you are thinking of getting a Botox injection, check with your doctor to ensure that the procedure will go properly for you. Botox may interfere with medications that you may be taking, so it's generally best to speak to a doctor before getting an injection.

In addition to aiding those who wish to clear their face of wrinkles, Botox has been used to help several medical conditions. When Botox was first used clinically, it was employed to treat neurological disorders. Writer's cramp can be alleviated by a Botox injection, and facial spasms and spasmodic dyphodia have been under consideration for Botox treatment.