Can Botox Injections Treat Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Symptoms?

 Posted on May 28, 2020 in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that negatively affects a person’s ability to control his or her movements. An individual with CP may experience rigidity or limpness of the limbs and trunk, atypical posture, reduced balance and coordination, involuntary movements, exaggerated reflexes, and other physical problems. Cerebral palsy can be caused by a number of different factors, including birth injuries. Someone who has CP can have difficulty with walking, swallowing, sight, and more. Understandably, many parents of children with CP wish to do everything they can to find ways to alleviate their children’s symptoms so that they can live as normal a life as possible. One treatment option that many parents of children with CP are exploring is Botox injections.

How Does Botox Help?

You have probably heard about Botox injections being used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, the drug has many other uses as well. Botox is the brand name of a “botulinum toxin A,” which is a substance created by bacteria. The substance is a potent neurotoxin; however, when small amounts are injected locally, it can be used for medical or cosmetic purposes. Botox has the effect of weakening or paralyzing muscles by blocking nerves from firing. This may help to relax muscles and therefore decrease pain in some CP patients.

Are Botox Injections Safe?

Botox is approved to treat muscle spasticity and abnormal muscle movement in adults. However, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Botox to be used to treat cerebral palsy symptoms. Although it is not FDA approved, many doctors find that the benefits outweigh the risks of using Botox to treat CP symptoms in children. Some CP sufferers experience increased range of motion, reduced spastic movements, reduced pain, and better ability to walk after receiving Botox injections. Side effects of Botox injections are typically temporary, and they may include weakness and pain at the injection site, vision problems, trouble swallowing, and headaches. In rare cases, the botulinum toxin may spread from the injection site and cause potentially life-threatening effects. While many people with cerebral palsy benefit from Botox injections, the drug may not be right for everyone. It is important to speak to your child’s doctor to find out if Botox might be a viable treatment option for your child’s CP symptoms.

Contact a Chicago Birth Injury Lawyer

At Birth Injury Law Alliance, we help parents of children with cerebral palsy determine if their child’s disorder was caused by medical negligence during his or her birth. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your child’s past and future medical bills, medication, assistive equipment, and other expenses. To learn more, call our office today at 312-462-4200. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated Cook County medical malpractice attorney.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999
https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/cerebral-palsy-center/services/botox-treatment-for-spasticity/https://www.drugs.com/botox.html