Summary: Botulinum is a nerve toxin made by the food poisoning bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. It causes a time-bound paralysis in affected muscles. Diluted purified Botulinum toxin is injected into muscles in persistent spasm, to cause a calculated degree of flaccid paralysis, so that the remaining viable muscles can obey voluntary muscular commands in a better coordinated way. However this mode of therapy has certain limitations. Last updated February 10, 2008

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Our Experience & Comments: The rapidity of relief from spasticity in Spastic CP with Botulinum Muscle Infiltration Injection (which can be used a number of times) or Phenol Nerve Block (which may be used relatively safely about twice) is magical. However, the effects are temporary, up to 4 to 8 months in most cases of CP. Initially, we tried them a number of times, but have since used it rarely. It gives so much initial relief that it takes away the drive to continue intensive OT/PT by the child and parents. The net result in most cases is "Back to the Pavilion" in a few months. In contrast, tendon lengthening surgery costs just a wee bit more than these injections, and the effects are permanent. We prefer that if very necessary.

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FDA issues warning about the use of Botulinum in cerebral palsy .... More

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