My Doctor Recommended Botox Therapy for my Child...What Is It?

Botox, or Botulinum toxin Type A, is used to relax the muscles that cause rigidity of muscles and unwanted spasms. It is produced by the same bacteria that causes botulism, a deadly form of food poisoning. Botox has been used for over 15 years to treat eye problems and to reduce wrinkles. Over the past 10 years, Botox has also been used to treat spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

Botox is used for treating cerebral palsy by injecting small amounts into the muscles. It blocks neuromuscular transmissions and inhibits the release of acetylcholine. The botox injection literally blocks the impulse between the nerve and the muscle, which relaxes the targeted muscle and reduces rigidity.

After the muscles are relaxed, therapists will help cerebral palsy children by stretching their muscles. This will ultimately stimulate muscular growth. Botox injections will help a child's range of motion, aid in stretching and aid in developmental gains.

The best respondents to this treatment are children under the age of six who have abnormal tone that interferes with functions. Botox therapy is most effective while the bones are still in development and before any permanent deformity sets in.

For more information about botox treatment for cerebral palsy, visit our blog post about the subject.

Click this link if you would like to speak with a cerebral palsy attorney.