Botulinum toxin type A is potent in the treatment of many problems. It is produced by a gram-positive anaerobic bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin type A is an exotoxic as well as neurotoxic protein that disallows the unleashing of neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction. This toxin is used commercially in medicine, cosmetics and research.
When you take in foods that are contaminated, or you have a wound injection, you may begin to see the clinical syndromes of botulism. Also, the colonization of the infant gastrointestinal tract, or from a wound infection can cause the manifestation of the clinical symptoms. We have eight types of botulinum toxin, called type A–H. Types A and B have the ability of causing disease in humans. Botulinum toxin type A is vacuum-dried and purified, being manufactured from a fermentation of Hall strain Clostridium botulinum type A, and intended for intramuscular and intradermal use.
What does it work for?
Botulinum toxin type A is noted for treating of urinary incontinence due to over-activity of detrusor linked with a neurologic condition in adults who have an inadequate response to or are intolerant of an anticholinergic medication.
Adult patients who have chronic migraine are given Botulinum toxin type A which serves as the prophylaxis of headaches.
It helps in the relaxation of involuntary muscles causing deeper creases causing our old appearance. Certain neurological disorders that trigger spasticity as Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Head Trauma, Spinal Cord Trauma, Cerebral Palsy and some motor neuron diseases (Spastic Paraparesis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), can be controlled by administering botulinum toxin type A.
Adults with cervical dystonia when treated with botulinum toxin type A, have a reduction in the severity of abnormal head position and neck pain associated with cervical dystonia
How does it work?
The mechanism of action is complex, acting mainly on terminal neuromuscular junction, but also exhibiting analgesic properties, probably through inhibition of pain neurotransmitters release. In addition to the direct action on striated muscle, botulinum toxin type A may act in the body of the muscle spindle and reduce centripetal conduction of information.
Adult patients when treated for one or more indications, receive botulinum toxin type A injection containing maximum cumulative dose not above 400 Units in a 3-month interval.
Since its recommendation by the FDA, botulinum toxin type A injections are safe and effective, having recorded up to about 11 million treatments.
For more information about Botulinum toxin type A, contact us today at the Costa Rica Aesthetic Center.
