Botox
-the ins and outs and what parents need to know ‘What is it, when is it used and who is it suitable for?’
What is Botox?
Botox is a highly purified version of the Botulinum toxin Type A, a chemical toxin produced by the bacteria that causes Botulism. Botulinum toxin Type A can be injected into muscles to cause muscle weakness. Specifically speaking, ‘Botox’ is actually the name of the most common brand of Botulinum toxin, although there are other brands used in Australia such as Dysport. For the purposes of this article (and to save us from confusing everyone!), we will just use the word Botox to mean any of these different versions.
What is Botox used for?
In the general media, Botox is most commonly known for its cosmetic use for treating wrinkles. However, Botox is also commonly used to help manage muscle spasticity in adults and children with neurological conditions. For the children we work with at Move and Play, Botox is sometimes used to improve or manage spasticity for children with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or other neurological conditions. Muscle spasticity can cause overactive and tight muscles, which can cause 3 8 SO U RCEKI DS .CO M . AU
children to have difficulties with their ability to move well, do the things they need or want to do in life, and also sometimes with their care and comfort. Common difficulties or situations in which Botox might be recommended for a child include: • D ifficulties with movements. This will include gross movements such as crawling, standing, or walking, and fine or hand movements such as using our hands to play, point, dress or write with a pencil. These difficulties occur as a result of the spasticity interfering with their muscle coordination and control. • Abnormalities in joints or posture. This might include abnormalities in your child’s overall body posture, or abnormalities in a specific body part such as a wrist or ankle. These abnormalities of posture occur as a result of the spasticity pulling a body part into an unusual position. • D ifficulties with tolerating braces or orthotics, such as AFO’s, due to pain or rubbing. This occurs as a result of the muscle spasticity pulling the body part within the brace, causing it not to fit well or pressure marks. • D ifficulties with hygiene. This
