Study: Botox Helps Stroke Patients
Toxin Weakens Spastic Muscles
UPDATED: 5:56 p.m. EDT August 7, 2002
SAN DIEGO -- Not only can Botox can erase wrinkles and migraines -- it can also help stroke survivors regain mobility of a paralyzed limb, according to a new study.
Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine found that Botox is a strong weapon to treat muscle weakness in stroke patients.
Researchers said when Botox is injected into the wrist or hand, it weakens spastic muscles enough to make it functional again. The results, which included 19 medical institutions over the two-year period, are published in the Aug. 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
At six weeks, 83 percent of study participants who got Botox improved in
areas such as pain and ability to dress themselves and hold their
hands normally. This was true of 53 percent who got a fake
treatment.
The effects of each treatment typically lasted three to four
months. No major side effects were reported.
University of California San Diego stroke expert Dr. Pat Lynden said most people forget Botox was first used to reduce muscle spasticity. It's made from the toxin that causes botulism. Botox comes from the bacteria clostridia, which can cause fatal food poisoning by paralyzing respiration.
"A lot of patients get their strength back but can't use the hand that's in spasm. You give a little Botox and all of a sudden that recovered hand is something they can use again," Lynden said.
Stroke affects about 600 out of every 100,000 people in the United States, with nearly 70 percent of patients surviving the stroke. Many of these survivors experience disabilities as a result of the stroke, including arm and hand spasticity.
Spasticity in upper limbs is especially debilitating because it can interfere with many daily activities, including personal hygiene and dressing.
Lynden believes Botox injections should be combined with extensive physical and occupational therapy.
Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine found that Botox is a strong weapon to treat muscle weakness in stroke patients.
Researchers said when Botox is injected into the wrist or hand, it weakens spastic muscles enough to make it functional again. The results, which included 19 medical institutions over the two-year period, are published in the Aug. 8 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
At six weeks, 83 percent of study participants who got Botox improved in
areas such as pain and ability to dress themselves and hold their
hands normally. This was true of 53 percent who got a fake
treatment.
The effects of each treatment typically lasted three to four
months. No major side effects were reported.
University of California San Diego stroke expert Dr. Pat Lynden said most people forget Botox was first used to reduce muscle spasticity. It's made from the toxin that causes botulism. Botox comes from the bacteria clostridia, which can cause fatal food poisoning by paralyzing respiration.
"A lot of patients get their strength back but can't use the hand that's in spasm. You give a little Botox and all of a sudden that recovered hand is something they can use again," Lynden said.
Stroke affects about 600 out of every 100,000 people in the United States, with nearly 70 percent of patients surviving the stroke. Many of these survivors experience disabilities as a result of the stroke, including arm and hand spasticity.
Spasticity in upper limbs is especially debilitating because it can interfere with many daily activities, including personal hygiene and dressing.
Lynden believes Botox injections should be combined with extensive physical and occupational therapy.
Copyright 2002 by Lifewhile.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
