Botox May Ease Writers' Cramps

Filed in archive Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics , Microbiology , Other Biotechnology News on December 22, 2006

The use of Botox, a toxin produced by Botulinum bacteria, is most popularly used in dermatological procedures as an anti-wrinkle treatment. Since its discovers, however, more applications have been found, such as in in alleviating symptoms of neurological disorders, inflammation, pain, and many others. A new research has found yet another application for Botox: to ease writer's cramps.

Forty people with writer's cramp were randomly assigned to a course of injections containing either botulinum toxin (botox) or a dummy substitute in two doses, usually into two muscles, over a period of 12 weeks.

Of the 20 people given botox treatment, 14 (70%) said that their condition had significantly improved, and that they wished to continue treatment. Their improvement was confirmed using validated disability and pain scales.

Compared to other palliative and alternative treatments, botox injections have been reported to produce longer-lasting results, providing relief for up to 18 months.

Source: EurekAlert