Botulinum toxins, produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum are some of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances known to man.  The toxins cause respiratory and muscular paralysis and even death by blocking nerve function. Although botulinum toxin type A is highly toxic, it can be administered safely in extremely small doses to treat painful muscular spasms such as cervical dystonia (stiff or wry neck) and involuntary eye muscle contractions.  Increasing (currently unlicensed) applications now include treatment for migraine, Parkinson’s disease vocalcord spasms, spasticity such as after stroke cerebral palsy and poliomyelitis, as well as increasing uses for cosmetic purposes.