Definitions for "Botulinum toxin"
A potent neurotoxin from the microorganism Clostridium botulinum.
a drug, administered via intramuscular injection, to treat spasticity. (Botox®)
Paralysing agent, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This agent can be isolated in the laboratory and applied as a resolutive, rendering it suitable for local injections. Over a period of two weeks, the botulinum toxin is released locally and, depending on the injection site, will weaken or paralyse muscles or immobilise sweat glands. The operating mechanism consists of blocking the signal between the nerve and muscle or sweat gland regulating this. In other branches of medicine, the botulinum toxin is used to treat involuntary muscle contractions or excessive muscle tension (spasticity). As an aesthetic application it is a simple and efficient treatment for some wrinkles, such as forehead wrinkles, glabellar wrinkles, crow's-feet and neck wrinkles. In addition, it is very effective against sweaty underarms, hands and feet (although the latter two applications require special local injection techniques). The body develops new points of contact between the nerve and muscle or sweat gland, making the effect not permanent. Brand names: Dysport®, Botox®.