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BOTOX® Cosmetic Injections: More Than a Pretty Face

By Christy Burns

Published on November 02, 2007

Editor's note: In February of 2008, the FDA issued a warning that BOTOX® Cosmetic has been linked to dangerous symptoms and deaths in some users; According to the FDA, the deaths all involve children, mostly those suffering from cerebral palsy.

For the millions of children and adults around the world who live with cerebral palsy, there is no cure. But recently, doctors have discovered that the disruptive muscle spasms, contractions, and chronic tremors it causes can be assuaged with the help of an unlikely injectable treatment: BOTOX® Cosmetic.

One Powerful Protein

The active ingredient in BOTOX® Cosmetic is a highly refined protein known as botulinum toxin A. When injected into the body, this protein blocks the release of acetylcholine, a compound that transmits signals between the nerves and muscles. Typical BOTOX® Cosmetic patients receive injections to prevent specific facial muscles from contracting and deepening forehead wrinkles or crow’s feet. However, an increasing number of cerebral palsy patients are finding relief from uncontrolled muscle contraction in their feet, hands, and legs.

Taking Control

Cerebral palsy is not a disease or syndrome with a singular cause and set of symptoms, but rather a neurological condition affecting muscle coordination and control brought on by damage to the brain. The severity of physical and mental impairments resulting from cerebral palsy varies from patient to patient; however, the primary effect of this condition is a lack of normal motor skills. By relaxing stiffened muscles and joints, BOTOX® Cosmetic gives cerebral palsy patients an opportunity to use atrophied muscles and develop the motor skills necessary to hold a pencil, turn a doorknob, kick a soccer ball, and walk naturally.

Rest for the Weary

The muscle-relaxing effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic last for approximately three to six months and can be repeated as necessary. At this point, researchers have not observed any negative complications related to prolonged use of BOTOX® injections in cerebral palsy patients. In fact, the opposite has proven true: the more time atrophied muscles spend relaxed and in use, the more mobility and strength is restored. Even the need for medications and surgeries can be reduced by this remarkable treatment method. While it may be only temporary, the relief that BOTOX® Cosmetic provides is enough to give hope to countless cerebral palsy sufferers.

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Keyword Tags: botox, injectables

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Comments

1

My grandson is starting treatment on Feb 13 2008 for cerebral palsy with botox, just today I read the article on cnn regarding deaths and respritory issues can anyone give me more material to read or how to reach other partents who have had there children go through this procedure.

Susan Fagering
about 1 year ago

2

My son, 2 1/2 received 16 injections (8 in each leg) in hopes that he gain mobility in his legs. He has no known diagnosis as to why he is not walking, but has had muscle weakness, hypotonia and spasticity on his legs since his 6 month immunizations. After the Botox injections I questioned myself as to why I let them inject him again after what we went through w/ the immunizations, but the medical professionsals assured me this was safe and a good plan. His injections were 2 weeks ago and I pray every day that we get throught he 6 months w/o any of these side effects arising. We haven't seen a big improvement yet and I won't let them do it again if we don't. It is so hard when you are at the mercy of the medical profession because you only want to help your child and how can you if you don't listen to them! I will pray for your grandson - Susan.

Unknown
about 1 year ago

3

my daughter has been getting the botox injections in her hand and leg every six months for over three years! I have seen a huge difference but NOW I AM SCARED! Does anybody have any advice on what i should do?

CONFUSED
about 1 year ago

4

My daughter with cerebral palsy and spasticity also advice by the pediatrician to have botox injections hext month in hope for her to walk. But I haven't yet know if any children that have been botox showed improvement. I hope this injections really works.

Maryam
about 1 year ago

5

I understand why everyone is concerned about the side effects of the Botox and I am too. I was just approved this week to begin the Botox therapy. I have lived 34 years with CP. While I don't feel sorry for myself in the least, I am a healthy, productive citizen who can't walk well and am in constant pain. I am looking forward to the therapy because I spent all of my childhood and teenage years being told that there was nothing that could be done for me. To finally have options is a HUGE difference in my life and the fact that children and young adults have another option besides the painful and invasive surgery I endured as a child is fantastic in my eyes.
As I said, I understand your concern for your children and I would never want ANYTHING to happen to anyone, I just wanted to share a different perspective.

Tracey
about 1 year ago

6

hi my son as tight muscles in the back,s of his leg,s and as to have botox very soon ,weve been told 2 day,s after he as botox he will have to have his leg,s in plaster and then change every 3 weeks after he,s had psyhio back in pot,will he be able to walk about in these pots

mark jackson
21 days ago

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