Botox Brain?

Botox Brain?

Recently I was listening to a podcast called Stuff You Should Know.  The podcasters discussed a study which identified the effects that Botox had on a region of the brain called the Amygdala. 

The Amygdala is the portion of the brain that is responsible for processing fearful and threatening stimuli. Emotions such as anger, fear, sadness and aggression are all controlled and processed by this part of the brain. This helps to be able to recognize these situations in the future so that they may be avoided. In our busy overstimulated society, the amygdala can be chronically stimulated. Is it any wonder that antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications are among the commonly prescribed medications? 

Do you ever wonder why you feel so good after receiving Botox treatments? Take a look at Neurosciencereview.com. The September 22, 2022 issue has a study: Botox Influences the Control of Emotions in the Brain for Those with Borderline Personality Disorder. 

I really don’t know why I am so surprised by this. Neurologists have embraced using Botox to treat migraine headaches with great success. Now, we have evidence of MRI changes in the Amygdala directly related to Botox injections. 

During the pandemic, Amethyst Wellness was open for essential treatments. During this time we were unable to provide cosmetic treatments like Botox. Our patients insisted that their Botox injections were medically and emotionally essential!  There may have been something to their concerns. 

Botox typically lasts about 3 months. The study suggests that for that 3-month time period patients experienced sustained relief from depression and anxiety. 

When we frown or scowl, these actions send negative messages to the brain. Botox relaxes superficial muscles. Most people use this to ease wrinkles. I always thought that an improvement in how the person perceived their appearance was the cause for feeling better. New evidence suggests that is not the only process in effect here. 

Does Botox affect your brain?  Try it and see how you feel: 386-283-4180.