Although Botox is considered to be somewhat recent in its use and popularity, the discovery of its various properties and uses has been long in coming. Actually, it can be fascinating to learn about this product, especially for those who are considering having either cosmetic or medical treatments done with this specific medication. You may be surprised to find out that this substance can trace its roots all the way back to the early 1800s.

In the 1820s, several German people died after consuming sausage. Dr. Justinus Kerner did extensive testing and experiments, and discovered that botulism was the cause of these deaths. He also found various symptoms that were related to botulism, including paralysis, droopy eyelids, and respiratory failure. It was more than a century before scientists began to make important discoveries as to how this particular toxin could be useful in medicine.

In the 1950s, Dr. Edward J. Schantz and others discovered a way to purify botulinum toxin A into a form that they could successfully work with. When this toxin was drastically diluted and injected into a muscle, they found that it would cause temporary paralysis in that specific muscle. Over the next few years, it was successfully used in experiments to treat muscle spasms and crossed eyes. By the late 1980s, the brand name Botox was first introduced and began to be used for various medical and cosmetic purposes.

During the next few decades, this medication became widely known as a treatment for wrinkles and creases, specifically in the face. Many people took advantage of the opportunity to reduce the appearance of these age lines. The procedure is performed by administering several injections into the muscles. These muscles are then weakened and the wrinkles are reduced significantly. A single treatment usually lasts for approximately four to six months, depending on the person and the area of the treatment.

Although its use for cosmetic reasons was very widely accepted, scientists continued to study Botox and began to discover various other medical uses for it. It can also be used to stop muscle spasms, and is used in the treatment of cervical dystonia in order to reduce neck pain and to relax muscles that cause the head to maintain an irregular position. It is also used in the treatment of various eye muscle problems and excessive underarm sweating. One of the most recent discoveries is that Botox can prevent headaches in adults who have chronic migraines. Over the past several years, there have been many important discoveries with relation to this substance and there will likely be many more in the future.