BOTOX Injections for Cerebral Palsy Treatment

When you hear the term BOTOX® injection you are likely to think of plastic surgery. In actuality, BOTOX® injections are used for a variety of medicinal purposes. BOTOX® injections for cerebral palsy treatment are actually quite effective. Once you know more about cerebral palsy BOTOX® treatments, you will understand why they can be so effective.

BOTOX therapy for cerebral palsy — When a doctor uses BOTOX® injections for cerebral palsy treatment, he or she makes a series of small injections into spastic or stiff muscles.

About BOTOX® Injections

BOTOX® injections are used in cerebral palsy treatment for a very specific reason. BOTOX® injections are a muscle relaxant. In actuality BOTOX® cosmetic is a toxin called botulinum toxin type A. However, in BOTOX® injections that toxin is purified and administered in very small doses. Though cerebral palsy BOTOX® treatments would be classified as new to some, doctors have been using it for about 10 years.

About BOTOX® Injections to Treat Cerebral Palsy

When a doctor uses BOTOX® injections for cerebral palsy treatment, he or she make a series of small injections into spastic or stiff muscles. These injections block the transmission between the nerve and the affected muscle. This leads to the muscle relaxing and reducing stiffness and rigidity. In turn, the therapist administering this cerebral palsy treatment can stretch the muscle and help stimulate growth in children with the condition. However, only muscles treated with the BOTOX® injection are relaxed.

The Benefits of BOTOX® injections for Treating Cerebral Palsy

There are many positive benefits associated with BOTOX® treatment for cerebral palsy. For one, it improves a child's ability to stretch and their range of motion. It also increases their ability to wear leg braces more comfortably. Additionally, it makes it easier for children with cerebral palsy to hit developmental strides such as crawling, walking, standing, eating, and even writing.

Like other BOTOX® treatments, the effect of the BOTOX® injection is not permanent. The injections' benefits last about four months at which point they can be repeated if it is necessary.

Safety Concerns About BOTOX® Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

BOTOX® injections are generally a safe treatment when used for any purpose, though some people who underwent BOTOX® treatment for cerebral palsy did experience some side effects such as fatigue, blurred vision, slurred speech, dry mouth, and trouble breathing.

The use of BOTOX® injection for treating cerebral palsy is not currently FDA approved, and the FDA has expressed some concerns about physicians potentially overdosing patients receiving BOTOX® injections for cerebral palsy treatment. This is a particularly important concern for children with cerebral palsy, who in general seem more prone to exhibit the side effects listed above. Be sure to speak with your physician or your child's physician before undergoing this particular treatment.

Consult a Cerebral Palsy Attorney

To find out more about BOTOX® injections and various other cerebral palsy treatments, you need to contact a specialist near you. If the cerebral palsy was the result of medical negligence, it is of the utmost importance that you speak with a cerebral palsy attorney for a legal consultation. You or your child could be eligible to receive financial compensation to help pay for treatment for this lifelong condition.