Botox may not be the first thing you think about when you consider cerebral palsy treatments for your child, but it may be something you want to discuss with your child’s medical providers.
What Is Botox?
Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin A. While botulinum toxin A is life-threatening when it is ingested, it gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1989 as an injectable. Today, Botox is best known for reducing wrinkles, but it is also used to treat several medical conditions. Botox can be administered in a doctor’s office on an outpatient basis. When Botox is injected into a muscle, the muscle may become temporarily paralyzed. The muscle may relax, and pain may decrease.
Currently, Botox is not FDA-approved to treat children with cerebral palsy. However, it can be used as a treatment if healthcare providers weigh the potential benefits and risks of treatment.
Benefits and Risks of Botox Treatment
For children with cerebral palsy, Botox injections can:
- Reduce spastic movements
- Relieve pain
- Improve their range of motion
- Allow them to be able to position their limbs better
- Improve their gait
For some children, the temporary benefits of Botox can delay the need for surgery. However, as with any treatment, there are risks. For example, the botulinum toxin A can spread from the injection site to other parts of the body and cause botulism, which can be deadly. Pain and infection at the injection site can also occur.
How to Pay for Botox Cerebral Palsy Treatment
The benefits of Botox are temporary, and treatment often needs to be repeated. Your insurance may or may not cover Botox for cerebral palsy treatment. However, if your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, and his healthcare provider believes that Botox should be part of his treatment, the cost should be included in your child’s legal recovery.
Your child should have every treatment that could reasonably provide medical or emotional benefits. Our experienced cerebral palsy lawyers will fight for your child’s full compensation, including Botox treatments, if appropriate. Call us today to learn more during a free initial consultation.