After reading through a few threads on pain and spacticity I thought I would start a thread on the original use of botox and its use in MS. Just in case there are folks here who have not been given this option from their Doctors as an alternative to some pain meds or to be able to reduce the amount of some medications.

If one googles Botox's original uses one will find it is for spasticity reduction, and used to block nerve pain. Botox was first approved by the FDA for medical use in 1989 to treat eye muscle disorders, such as spasms and tic's.

In MS it is used for reducing rigidity in drop foot, neck spacticity, bladder incontinence, facial pain and spasms tics, movement disorders, the list goes on...
I use it for facial tics and pain. Sometimes in my neck muscles. It has been a real blessing for my face. The neck not so much as we didn't use nearly enough. My brother who has severe drop foot, has botox injected into his calf muscle and this is really helping his ability to walk.
Some insurance covers it as a prescription, usually with doctors letter...
As is with all treatment, it's not for everyone but good to know it's available.
Hope this is helpful,
Sandra

When my doc suggested Botox for my facial spasms, he told me it came in pre-measured syringes and that there would be some left over. I asked him what he did with the extra. He said it was usually disposed of but could be injected in other areas if needed. I asked him if he could do my deep crevice between my eyes (from squinting after so many years of working in the sun!) and he said...absolutely!

Funny how it can relieve a spasm and do a nice face patch at the same time!
(the spasm went away on it's own and didn't come back but I was seriously considering it just for the stuuuuupid spazz!)

Thanks Sandra, I didn't know it was FDA approved since 1989. That was a surprise to read that. I know people who really get benefit from bladder issues using it.

Riverwild, I could use a little nip and tuck. Lol Since I lost weight years ago, I have lots of places that have too deep, laugh lines.

Thanks Sandra!

I knew Botox was used to treat symptoms, but I didn't know to what extent. Something I will keep in mind if needed.

I must admit too the side benefits are great. I have my left side of the face done 3 times a year and balance both sides at the same time in between my eyes and my frown lines below my lips. But this costs...but not as much because most of it is so close to the symptom points, except for below the lips.


It's amazing just how much our ms clinic is now using it for legs and mobility issues and large muscle spasticity. If a patient has it done at the clinic or in a regular gp or nuero office our medical pays 100%, but I have mine done in my dr's satellite cosmetic dermatology officice so I have to use my private benefits insurance to pay and they only pay half. I do this because he is my gp at the regular clinic and I couldn't ask for a more loyal and compassionate doctor.

Anyway, good to be here to yak away.
Cheers!

I have an MS friend here locally who uses the Botox for neck spasticity. After the last few months I have had, I'm tempted to beg for it, too.

Was wondering about this. My Neuro has suggested Botox for my legs and foot drop (both feet). She really does not like the way I walk. Has taken away any shoes with heals, no flip flops, and preferably shoes with laces and fully covering the feet! But the Botox will cost about $1,000 for the first treatment and then go up to about $2,000. Not sure if it is worth it? And you must repeat every 3-6 months? Any have it for the legs? Right now I am on Gabapectin and Bacofen - 900 MG of the G every 6 hours and 10 mg of the B every 6 hours. Seems to be helping most days.