Botox may help to regain control over involuntary bladder contractions

Botox not only helps you get rid of all those wrinkles and laughter lines, but will now be used to regain control over involuntary bladder contractions thanks to a procedure performed at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The procedure involves receiving injections of Botox, or botulinum toxin A into numerous sites in the bladder.

The toxin blocks the release of the chemical that causes the muscles to contract. Although the treated muscles become paralyzed or weakened, other muscles are unaffected and can function normally.

Dr. Gary Lemack, associate professor of urology at the university, revealed how Botox helps treat this debilitating condition.

“Damaged nerves may send signals to the bladder at the wrong time, causing its muscles to squeeze without warning. The Botox prevents the bladder muscles from having these spasms that lead to urinary frequency and urgency,” said Dr. Lemack. 

“The treatment will vastly improve bladder function in the majority of patients for a period of six to nine months,” he added.

Botox has been used by physicians internationally to treat conditions in the lower urinary tract, but the therapy has not been approved officially in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration.

Dr Lemack is currently conducting a Botox clinical trial, the results of which could impact future FDA determinations concerning the drug’s usage for urological conditions.

The research at UT Southwestern is being funded by Allergan, which manufactures Botox.

Source-ANI
LIN/M