Botulinum Toxin Treatment
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- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
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- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
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How to Treat Botulinum Toxin
Early therapy with an antitoxin is essential to decrease resulting nerve damage. Treatment should start without waiting for confirming diagnostic test results.
Antitoxin
If started early, an antitoxin can stop the paralysis from progressing and may shorten symptoms. It does not reverse the disease process.
Supportive Care
The most serious complication is respiratory failure. Treatment aims to maintain adequate oxygen supply. Patients may require a ventilator and close monitoring in an intensive care unit. Feeding through a tube also may be needed. Recovery occurs after the body produces new nerve fibers. This process may take weeks or months.
Public Health Measures
Cases are reported to public health officials. Contaminated clothing and surfaces should be washed with a bleach solution or left untouched for days.
Methods to Eliminate the Toxin
Methods to eliminate the toxin include:
- Enemas
- Suctioning of stomach contents
- Medication to stimulate vomiting
