If you think botox is simply for turning back the clock on aging... think again.
Doctors are using botox to ease the effects of Cerebral Palsy.
8 year old Dillan has CP and, as a result, has trouble walking. He's even had surgery to try and correct the problem. Now, Dillan is undergoing botox treatments to regain control over spastic muscles. Doctors say, putting botox in the muscle partially paralyzes it and lessens spasticity. This also gives weaker muscles more of an opportunity to stretch and strengthen.
8 year old Dillan has CP and, as a result, has trouble walking. He's even had surgery to try and correct the problem. Now, Dillan is undergoing botox treatments to regain control over spastic muscles. Doctors say, putting botox in the muscle partially paralyzes it and lessens spasticity. This also gives weaker muscles more of an opportunity to stretch and strengthen.
Treatments last up to 4 months but not every patient with benefit.
Using botox to treat CP isn't without it's critics.
The deaths of several children prompted the FDA to issue a warning about botox injections in early 2008. The main concern is giving high and inappropriate dosages to small children. The FDA has not approved the use of Botox in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy although it has been approved in other countries. One California Mom has been taking her son in for treatment, but after the warning, is reconsidering.
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