HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Botox is now being used to treat people with multiple sclerosis coping with incontinence.
Lisa Fine walks with confidence and little pain. Three months ago that was not the case.
"You're walking somewhere and thinking everything is fine and urine just starts streaming down your leg," Fine said.
No bladder control is one of the silent symptoms Fine has living with multiple sclerosis: a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system.
That was before she was injected with the popular cosmetic treatment, Botox.
Dr. Marlene Murphy says, "Botox is a neuro toxin. It stops spasms in muscles whether they are in your face, whether they are in your shoulder or neck or leg or your bladder."
Dr. Murphy is a urologist at the Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mt. Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital in Hartford.
"Basically the way it works, by injecting it into the bladder, it paralyzes a muscle and allows the bladder to hold just like my bladder," Dr. Murphy said.
Fine is ecstatic with the results.
"I had very little expectations," Fine said. "It blew it away, it blew it away."
For now she no longer has bladder issues and a side affect of the injections has eased her leg pain.
"I'm still very uncoordinated and my balance is still an issue," she said, "but I'm able to walk longer distances."
However, Botox may not be a long term solution.
"It does require re-injections,"says Dr. Murphy. "And I think ultimately some patients will do better with the more definitive procedure such as reconstruction of their bladder."
Fine says, "I stay in today. I have learned with MS there are no promises tomorrow."
Dr. Murphy stresses, Botox is a medication and that patients getting it should inform all their doctors in case there's an adverse reaction to another treatment.
The Mandell Center is hosting an International MS symposium next month in Hartford. The Mutiple Sclerosis BRAIN will be held October 4 - 6 at the Connecticut Convention Center.
This Sunday the 2012 Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride will be held at the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park.