Botulinum toxin is a protein product of the Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, it also contains the same toxin found in food poisoning. After purification, botulinum toxin became the first bacterial toxin to be used in medical treatments. (5 Vangelova) After being injected into the body, the toxin attaches to nerve endings where nerves join muscles. The chemical acetylcholine is released, which then signals the muscles to contract, leading to weakness and paralysis. Additional contractions are blocked by injections into the muscle but leave enough force for normal use. (Vangelova) This botulinum toxin is classified into 7 serotypes (A to G). Type A botulinum toxin is more commonly called Botox. Botox toxin is recognized as the most powerful and has been the most studied for its clinical use. Although botulinum toxin is a deadly toxin, it can be used as an effective and powerful medication by injecting minimal amounts of the toxin into overactive muscles. (Shipla) In 2002, Botulinum Type A was approved and has since become a popular cosmetic treatment to help minimize the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, as well as smooth the skin for a more youthful appearance. (Botox: Beyond Cosmetic Fixes) The use of this botulinum toxin type A is rapidly expanding to include a variety of treatments, including ophthalmologic, gastrointestinal, urologic, orthopedic, dermatologic, secretory, pain, and cosmetic disorders. (Jankovic)Botulinum toxin first gained clinical acceptance due to the marked benefits it produced in patients with dystonia. This neurological disease involves chronic abnormal posture and muscle tension. (5 Vangelova) Dystonias are classes...... middle of paper ......eda, Juan and Joseph Jankovic. “Long-term effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin injections in dystonia.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. US National Library of Medicine, February 4, 2013. Web. April 13, 2014. .9. Karp, Barbara Illowsky. “Physiology of botulinum toxin in focal hand and cranial dystonia.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. US National Library of Medicine, November 20, 2012. Web. April 13, 2014. .10. Lakraj, Amanda-Amrita D., Narges Moghimi and Bahman Jabbari. “Hyperhidrosis: anatomy, pathophysiology and treatment with emphasis on the role of botulinum toxins.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. US National Library of Medicine, April 23, 2013. Web. April 13. 2014.