FDA approves Botox to treat wrist, finger spasms

CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. regulators on Tuesday approved the use of Allergan Inc's wrinkle smoother Botox to treat spasms of the elbow, wrist and fingers in adults.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it approved the drug to treat spasticity in the flexor muscles, a condition that can result from stroke, brain injury or multiple sclerosis. The muscles can become stiff and painful, affecting patients' daily activities.

Botox works by blocking the connections between nerves and muscles, temporarily paralyzing the spastic muscle.

Botox carries a strong warning indicating the effects of botulinum toxin may spread from the injection site to other parts of the body, causing symptoms including swallowing and breathing difficulties that can be life-threatening.

In addition to cosmetic uses, Botox is approved to treat underarm sweating and a condition known as cervical dystonia that causes neck spasms. It is being tested for a variety of medical uses, including migraine headaches.

(Reporting by Susan Kelly; editing by Carol Bishopric )