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BOTOX therapy consists of administration of a small dose of botulinum toxin, which temporarily blocks acetylcholine release from peripheral nerves, paralyzing the muscle at the site of injection. This therapy has been used for a decade to treat involuntary or unbalanced movements. it is safe and effective. The Botulinum A toxin we use is a purified strain, very carefully produced, to be of standardized strength and biologic activity. [This is not soup-can-botulism.] The treatment consists of subcutaneous injection with a tiny needle at multiple sites. Because the effect is temporary, treatment must be repeated about every 3 months. This is an effective treatment for neurologic conditions characterized by overaction of muscular contraction, eg. dystonias, especially essential blepharospasm; hemifacial spasm; spasmodic torticollis; writer's cramp... I have also administered it to patients with facial palsies to allow eye closure until the nerve regenerates, or with double vision caused by underaction of one of the nerves moving the eyes to allow single vision until the nerve regenerates; or for aberrant regeneration of the facial nerve. I have offered BOTOX to a few PWP who had such severe blepharospasm or apraxia of eyelid opening that they couldn't see. Since paralyzing superficial facial muscles relaxes the lines on the face, some dermatologists are even using BOTOX injections as a temporary "chemosurgical" face lift. Jacqueline Winterkorn, PhD, MD [and PWP]