What is Botox Therapy?

Botox isn't just for wrinkles any more.

Botulinum toxin injections--commonly known as Botox therapy--have become a very useful tool in the treatment of cerebral palsy. Thousands of cerebral palsy patients have benefited from this form of therapy over the past few years.

But what is Botox?

Botox therapy is the direct injection of the Botulinum toxin into a specific muscle, with the aim of blocking the transfer of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for sending messages to muscle nerves which cause the muscles to move. By blocking acetylcholine, the Botulinum toxin alleviates muscle spasms.

In patients with cerebral palsy, Botox therapy can provide relief for anywhere from 6 weeks to several months. However, over time, muscle neurons tend to "resprout" and re-establish communication between the nerve and the muscle. Therefore, Botox therapy is really only a short-term solution. Botox must be re-administered regularly. Right now, the long-term effects of receiving Botox therapy are unknown.

Side effects of Botox therapy are mild, with the main one being weakness in the muscles being treated. Some patients can develop flu-like symptoms.

Botox is just one of the tools we have to treat cerebral palsy. Awareness is another. It is important that we strive to educate the public about cerebral palsy and the potential treatments. By raising awareness, we get closer to the cure.

Many people do not know that cerebral palsy can be the result of medical malpractice. Birth injuries sustained during delivery can have a lifetime of effects on your child.

If you believe that your child's cerebral palsy may be the result of a birth injury caused by medical error, contact the Rasansky Law Firm by calling 1 800 ATTORNEY today.