Research from the University of Calgary suggests that Botox (Botulinum type-A toxin) passes easily into surrounding muscles and is more difficult to control once injected than many people suspect. Published in the Journal of Biomechanics, the study was trying to establish how muscle weakness contributes to joint degeneration by using botulinum toxin as an agent to temporarily paralyze muscles. What the researchers found is that the toxin they used passed easily into the surrounding muscles and weakened all the muscles in the area.
The research team, led by Dr. Walter Herzog, suggests that the results have relevance for consumers and physicians who use products made out of the toxin. "The injection doses used in this study are similar to those used in human injection protocols for the soleus muscle, both for spastic cerebral palsy in children and hemi-plegic adults secondary to stroke," says Herzog.
"Many people believe that when Botox is injected into a single muscle it stays there. This research shows that it is not that easy to control. As therapeutic applications in humans increase, it is important that we understand more about the functional affects of this product which, at the end of the day, is a toxin," Herzog concluded.
Related:
Botox Treatment For Wrinkles May Also Relieve Migraines
Dodgy Cosmetic Botulinum Injections Cause Severe Sickness
The Beautiful People - Time For A Reality Check
Source: University of Calgary
