Birth Injuries Help
August 8, 2007Doctors using botox to treat patients’ cerebral palsy symptoms
Doctors have begun using botox injections—normally used for easing wrinkles—to treat the symptoms of some patients with cerebral palsy. By injecting the treatment into muscles that are affected by cerebral palsy symptoms, doctors hope that they can give patients greater mobility and allow them to increase their control of muscles that are affected by the condition.Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by birth defects acquired in the womb or by birth injuries during the delivery process. Patients with this condition may experience learning problems, seizures or problems with coordination or movement.
Botox is a much weaker form of the chemical derived from the toxin that causes botulism disease. Because this toxin can cause paralysis, doctors can inject botox into the muscles of patients who are affected by the symptoms of cerebral palsy in order to reduce the exaggerated reflexes and spastic movements caused by their condition. This allows patients to regain control over the muscles that are affected by cerebral palsy and to strengthen weaker muscles.
Botox treatments for patients with cerebral palsy could last for up to four months, allowing them to strengthen muscles that they don’t ordinarily use and helping them to regain balance and coordination. Doctors are hopeful that these treatments will reduce the need for surgery on the muscles affected by the symptoms of cerebral palsy.