Botulinum toxin has a weakening effect on muscles and may be used to treat detrusor over-activity or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia.
Botox works by blocking the neural signal to the muscle. This then weakens the contraction. Botox may be injected into the urinary sphincter to make it easier for urine to pass (reflex voiding) or it may be injected straight into the detrusor muscle (intermittent catheters).
The effect of botox is not permanent and usually lasts between 3-6 months. After this time, the injection will need to be repeated for the effect to continue.
Side effects
The side effects for botox are minimal as the drug does not enter the bloodstream, it only has a local effect on the muscles.
There may be interactions with other medications that you are taking and you should discuss these with your doctor.
