The wonders and dangers of Botox

Botulinum toxin was first tested in the late 1960s by American ophthalmologist Allan Scott.

Dr Scott was trialling the toxin to produce a substance that would reduce the affects of involuntary muscle spasms, and in particular the treatment of strabismus (poor alignment of the eyes).

Normally doctors would surgically correct the muscle alignment, but Dr Scott's research began to show that the toxin could be used to weaken the muscles to correct the alignment.

"It worked very well and that lead on to the treatment for the last 20 or 30 years now of what we call focal dystonia," James Temlett, associate Professor of Medicine and consultant neurologist at the University of Adelaide said.

In the past decade the toxin has been found to be quite useful in controlling such ailments as asthma, upper motor neuron disease, excessive blinking, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and now even weight loss.

As a side effect, patients who generally suffered from migraines who were using the toxin for the cosmetic treatment of wrinkles even found it helped to control the severe headaches

The wonders and dangers of botox - ABC Adelaide - Australian Broadcasting Corporation