Botulinum toxin is the most deadly natural toxin on earth and the cause of a type of food poisoning called botulism. Botulism is rare today because of modern food preservation techniques, but 200 years ago, it was known as the dreaded sausage disease, which caused its victims to become paralyzed gradually during the course of about 10 days before they died. The toxin blocks the transmission of nerve impulses that enable muscles to contract.
These days, that potent muscle relaxant is commonly known as botox. It is used in extremely small quantities to reduce wrinkle lines, but it is not just a beauty treatment. Scientists have discovered other important uses for botulinum toxin. The potent chemical that blocks muscle contractions is being put to good use to treat diseases in which the muscles are over stimulated, such as cerebral palsy.
At Loyola University Health System (Loyola), Deirdre Ryan, M.D., a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon, uses botox to treat children with cerebral palsy. She also specializes in treating infant hip disorders, spina bifida, clubfeet and pediatric trauma.
“Children with cerebral palsy have very tight muscles, which get even tighter as they grow,’ Ryan explained. “Some children need surgery to lengthen their muscles. Botox can help us avoid surgery or decrease the number of surgeries needed.’
About six in 1,000 babies born in the United States will have cerebral palsy. It is a general term for a movement disorder caused by damage to the child's brain during pregnancy, birth or early childhood. In most cases, the damage occurs before birth from poor oxygen supply to the brain. Often, cerebral palsy is not recognized until the child is more than one year old. The severity of the disease ranges widely. In mild cases, the child might experience clumsiness with his hands or while walking. In severe cases, a child might be completely immobilized in a wheel chair, unable even to eat without help.
Botox injections have been used for more than 10 years to manage severe cases of cerebral palsy, Ryan noted. She is one of two orthopaedic surgeons at Loyola who provides the treatment. Several Loyola neurologists and physiatrists also provide botox injections for neuromuscular diseases.
Botox injections can relieve muscle spasticity (tightness) for approximately three to six months at a time and can be used repeatedly. Even temporary relief from muscle tightness can make a big difference in helping a child's muscles to relax and grow.
For more information about pediatric orthopaedics at Loyola, call (708) 216-8563.
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