Off-Label Botox Injections
An Effective Therapy for Cerebral Palsy?
When you hear the word “botox,” you probably think of an aggressive cosmetic treatment to reduce the signs of aging on a woman’s face. But the botulinum toxin—BT-A or “botox” for short—has an important role to play in modern medicine.
When doctors started using botox in the 1990s, they discovered that botox injections could ease overactive muscles in children with cerebral palsy. The results were impressive:
- Muscle relaxation
- Reduced spasticity
- Increased range of motion
- Possible reduced scissoring of the legs
How Botox Therapy Works
The science behind botox therapy is that the bacterium from the injection blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle. In turn, the muscles relax.
Because the use of botox for cerebral palsy relief has not been approved by the FDA, doctors use this form of therapy “off-label.” Each botox shot lasts approximately 3 to 6 months and must be administered by a doctor who is trained in using it on children. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis and your child may be sedated while receiving the injections.
In conjunction with botox therapy, physical therapy will be used to stretch and strengthen your child’s muscles.
The downside to managing your child’s cerebral palsy with botox is that she might experience mild side effects such as:
- Pain at the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms
Only you and your doctor can decide if botox injections are right for your child’s cerebral palsy treatment.
Do You Want to Try Botox Therapy to Ease Your Child’s Discomfort?
Special treatments designed to make your child’s life easier come at a high price. And your medical plan might not cover botox therapy and / or the physical therapy that must be done in conjunction with it. You and your child deserve assistance with this expense, but especially if your child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented.
You also need to know that your medical team did everything possible to keep your baby safe and healthy. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to financial help.
Be your child’s best advocate and talk to an expert. Some of her therapeutic expenses may be eligible for coverage.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
