Botulinum Toxin: Uses, Mechanisms of Action & Complications

Botulinum toxin (BoNT)is a powerful neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Its mechanism of action consists of the induction of a temporary muscle paralysis through the inhibition of the release of acetylcholine into the synaptic cleft. In this book, the authors discuss the uses and complications of botulinum toxin. Topics include the potential therapeutic applications of botulinum toxin in pain management and human epilepsy; a review of the efficacy and safety of currently available products; lower facial contouring with botulinum toxin; BoNT in urology, facial palsy, treatment of body deformities due to muscle hypertrophy, and for drug-refractory trigeminal neuralgia.