Botox Under Review for Complications in Cerebral Palsy Patients

Despite initial FDA approval of Botox for cosmetic and medical purposes, serious complications and sometimes death when used to treat children affected by Cerebral Palsy have prompted further reviews of the popular anti-wrinkle drug. Often used to treat spasticity in the legs of children with Cerebral Palsy, the idea is that the drug will "paralyze" the muscles by blocking nerve impulses - therefore eliminating or reducing spasms. While injections are targeted to a specific area, in rare cases the botulinum toxin may spread to other areas of the body, including the muscles used for swallowing and breathing.
Though the cases under review that resulted in death all involve children, the FDA is also reviewing reports of illnesses in people of all ages who have used Botox for any number of reasons.
One neurologist who uses Botox to treat Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis patients said, "It appeared to be the group that was most affected was children with cerebral palsy under the age of 12, and I believe the treatment was for lower extremity problems, and I suspect that the reason may have been is that the larger doses are used to treat lower extremities problems."
Dr. Dan Silverman said he uses the drug because he finds substantial improvement in overall functionality.
Though the cases are rare, advocacy groups are calling for strengthened warning labels and awareness of the possible side effects.
The FDA suggests that patients receiving a botulinum toxin injection for any reason -whether cosmetic or medical - should seek immediate care if they suffer symptoms of botulism, including: difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech, muscle weakness, or difficulty holding up their head.