Neurology
Clinical Services
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Did You Know…
Strong Health has the largest
botulinum toxin clinic in the region, with over
10 years of experience.
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Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Clinic
Botulinum toxin therapy has been used to treat
many neurologic disorders, including:
- Blinking or twitching of the muscles on one side of
the face
- Dystonias
- Spasticity from strokes, multiple sclerosis,
brain injuries
- Pathologically abnormal sweating, and drooling
- Headache and other painful conditions
(The Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Unit does not use botulinum toxin
for cosmetic purposes.)
Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium,
Clostridium botulinum. When purified and delivered exactly where
needed, it becomes a powerful therapeutic agent. There are seven
known types of C. botulinum toxin, but only types A (Botox®)
and B (Myobloc®) are used as medical treatments.
To
Schedule an Appointment...
To schedule an appointment call 585-341-7500 between 9:00
a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The Department of Neurology participates with Blue Choice, Preferred
Care, Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rochester health
plans. We accept cash or check only for all applicable co-payments and
personal balances due at the time of service. If you must cancel your
appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. You will be charged
a $25.00 fee if you miss an appointment. Please arrive 20 minutes
before your appointment.
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The goal of the therapy is to reduce muscle spasm and pain, and
restore more useful function. A very small dose of botulinum toxin
is injected into a muscle to block some of the messages that are
sent from the nerves to the muscles, reducing spasms.
Neurons generate new nerve endings that reactivate the muscle
contracture, so improvement is time limited, and treatment is usually
repeated every 3 to 4 months. Physical or occupational therapy
occasionally helps restore normal muscle function.
More information
on Botulinum Toxin (Botox)
Side Effects of Botulinum Toxin Therapy
Botulinum toxin therapy is a safe and effective treatment when
given in appropriate amounts by a qualified neurologist. Some patients
experience temporary weakness in the group of muscles being treated,
or those nearby. For example, ptosis (drooping eyelid) can develop
after treating blepharospasm. Flu-like symptoms develop in some
patients, but rarely. Patients with certain other neuromuscular
diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or myasthenia gravis,
may not be appropriate candidates for botulinum toxin therapy.
Infrequently, some patients develop antibodies to the medication
over time, rendering the treatment ineffective.
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