What is Botox?
Botulism toxin is a substance produced by certain kinds of bacteria. Food containing botulism toxin can cause food poisoning (botulism). Botox is a drug made from botulism toxin. Botulism toxin, used to treat people, is made in a special way so that only very tiny amounts are contained in each injection. The amount is much less than the amount that can cause food poisoning.

Botox has been shown to help children with cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular diseases in several ways. It can help children who have problems with increased muscle tone in their arms, legs, and trunk. And, it has been shown to be useful in children who have troubles with daily activities, such as sitting and walking. The use of Botox has also been shown to delay the need for musculoskeletal surgery.

How was Botox developed?
Botox was originally called OCULINUM. Dr. Scott, an ophthalmologist in California, was the first to use these injections to help patients by injecting a small amount of this medicine into the eye muscles of people with crossed-eyes. He noted remarkable improvement. Botox is still used for this purpose.

How is Botox used in children with cerebral palsy?
The use of Botox in children with cerebral palsy has had over 20 years of experience. The drug is injected into spastic muscles (overactive or too tight) causing the muscles to loosen up. Unfortunately, the effect of the medicine usually only lasts 3-6 months. Repeat injections may be given if the muscles become tight again.

What are the risks with using Botox?
The most common problem children have after Botox injections is soreness in their muscles, sometimes associated with some redness near the injection sites. These problems are generally short-term and go away in 1-2 days. The onset of the muscle weakness is noted several days after injection when the medicine is at its maximum effect. There is a low risk of allergic reaction, but when properly diluted, this drug may be safely injected into spastic muscles.

What are the goals with Botox treatment?
The goal of the treatment is to make certain muscles weaker to allow better motor and functional control of these spastic muscles. After the injections, a child may feel generally weak and tired.

What are the outcomes with Botox treatment?
Since its inception, Botox injections have shown marked clinical improvement in the function and motor control of a child with cerebral palsy. Your doctor cannot promise that your child will benefit from these injections, and Botox does not replace other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that might benefit your child. The advantages are that this is minimally invasive, may allow for improved abilities for the child to sit and walk, while delaying any possible surgery.