Posted in: | Mar 07,2020
Persons, who suffer from cerebral palsy, may suffer from spasticity, especially in the upper limbs. This spasticity causes floppy muscle movements that hinder physical activity. A new study finds that Botox can actually help improve spasticity in these patients.
Muscle stiffness is a major concern for children with cerebral palsy. It can cause children with cerebral palsy to have an incorrect posture, and can reduce their ability to function optimally. In serious cases, the spasticity may lead to physical deformities that can not only be impairing, but also painful. There are several forms of research that have tried to find ways to reduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, to improve their functioning.
One such new study focused on the effectiveness of the botulinum toxin, or Botox, which is so often used in the beauty industry to reduce the appearance of frown lines or wrinkles. The researchers experimented with the use of this ingredient in the strengthening of spastic muscles.
Botox works by reducing the release of acetylcholine, a muscular activity-inhibiting chemical, into the muscles. The researchers administered Botulinum injections in patients with cerebral palsy. These patients were then monitored over a period of 6 months. The researchers found that there was a significant reduction in spasticity, especially in the wrist, arm and forearm. The maximum improvement was seen between three and six months after the injections were administered
Cerebral palsy is a condition that causes a number of impairments. There may be motor and muscular impairments, impeding the child’s ability to use his limbs optimally. Muscle movements may be floppy, and the child may find it difficult to grip objects or walk steadily. There may be a lack of coordination and lack of balance, There may be impairments in speech, language and communication. Cerebral palsy may also be marked by some level of intellectual and cognitive impairment.
