Botox

Karen M · 04-30-2003, 11:20 AM

A new neurologist has suggested that botox injections in my pecs and biceps may be beneficial for my severe spasticity. Wondering what others have experienced. It would be nice to have some relief from this tightness of my arms but I am concerned about the safety of this procedure.

Karen M

Rick1 · 04-30-2003, 01:45 PM

Karen - I can't advise you on the effectiveness of this procedure, but will offer this caveat (if you don't already know): It's not just a one time treatment. Make sure you understand the frequency of treatments necessary to maintain effectiveness. Also, the long term effects of serial treatments are still somewhat controversial. Good luck.

SCI-Nurse · 04-30-2003, 09:24 PM

Interesting that this post came in today. This morning I assisted one of our docs with just this Botox procedure. We did the pecs, sub-scapularis, biceps and other muscles involved with a very tight shoulder and arm for a person with MS. I've been working with Botox for at least 9 years. We have never seen a serious side effect in those years. When used in appropriate amounts for body weight, even mild side effects (such as nausea, malaise, achiness etc.) are very rare. We have seen some really good responses to Botox treatment. It is important to have aggressive therapy following the injections. Often with aggressive stretching, the muscle fibers remain stretched and relaxed even after the Botox wears off. Sometimes we note that the degree of spasticity is not as severe when the injections wear off. The effects do wear off in about three months and need to be repeated at intervals if a good response was seen. If you are considering this treatment, make sure you see a physician experienced in this thereapy. I would want the physician to use EMG guidance for the injections in these muscles to avoid the risk of entering a lung. I have seen some really nice responses to the treatment. (EMK)

Karen M · 05-02-2003, 09:04 AM

Thank you EMK and Rick! I am now looking forward to the injections minus some anxiety that I was feeling.

Karen M

04-30-2003, 11:20 AM	#1
Karen M Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 217	Botox A new neurologist has suggested that botox injections in my pecs and biceps may be beneficial for my severe spasticity. Wondering what others have experienced. It would be nice to have some relief from this tightness of my arms but I am concerned about the safety of this procedure. Karen M

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04-30-2003, 01:45 PM	#2
Rick1 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Carlsbad, CA Posts: 697	Karen - I can't advise you on the effectiveness of this procedure, but will offer this caveat (if you don't already know): It's not just a one time treatment. Make sure you understand the frequency of treatments necessary to maintain effectiveness. Also, the long term effects of serial treatments are still somewhat controversial. Good luck.

04-30-2003, 09:24 PM	#3
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,344	Interesting that this post came in today. This morning I assisted one of our docs with just this Botox procedure. We did the pecs, sub-scapularis, biceps and other muscles involved with a very tight shoulder and arm for a person with MS. I've been working with Botox for at least 9 years. We have never seen a serious side effect in those years. When used in appropriate amounts for body weight, even mild side effects (such as nausea, malaise, achiness etc.) are very rare. We have seen some really good responses to Botox treatment. It is important to have aggressive therapy following the injections. Often with aggressive stretching, the muscle fibers remain stretched and relaxed even after the Botox wears off. Sometimes we note that the degree of spasticity is not as severe when the injections wear off. The effects do wear off in about three months and need to be repeated at intervals if a good response was seen. If you are considering this treatment, make sure you see a physician experienced in this thereapy. I would want the physician to use EMG guidance for the injections in these muscles to avoid the risk of entering a lung. I have seen some really nice responses to the treatment. (EMK)

05-02-2003, 09:04 AM	#4
Karen M Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Roseville, CA Posts: 217	Thank you EMK and Rick! I am now looking forward to the injections minus some anxiety that I was feeling. Karen M