Botox Treatment for Spasticity in
Valencia, CA & Lancaster, CA
Amputation is a major life change that impacts not only the patient’s self-image but the patient’s ability to function. Depending upon the level and type of amputation, mobility can be greatly affected. Once the patient heals from surgery, more in-depth rehabilitation is essential to helping the patient reach the highest levels of function and independence for the home and to readjust back into the community.
Below you'll find valuable information on Botox treatment for spasticity. For more information please contact us in Valencia, CA (661) 705-5100 or Lancaster, CA (661) 726-5005.
Botox Treatments
Botulinum toxin or Botox is a treatment used to help temporarily relieve spasticity. It is a neurotoxin and blocks neuromuscular transmission when injected in a specific muscle. It works as a “nerve block” that stops the release of chemicals that signal your muscles to contract and tighten, and therefore, cause the muscle to relax.
Botox temporarily treats spasticity. Once it wears off, the muscle will return to contraction. To gain the most benefit from Botox treatment, actions must be implemented to retrain the brain’s ability to communicate properly with the muscles. This is done with implementing physical therapy to work the muscles once they relax following Botox treatments. The work done through physical therapy can help retrain and restore the brain-muscle communication. Thus, a combination of Botox treatments and physical therapy provides a better chance for long-term results in treating spasticity.
Botox injections are commonly performed in a medical office setting. A thin needle is used to inject tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscle. The number of injections depends on many factors including the extent of the area being treated. Most patients do not feel much discomfort during the procedure.
Potential Risks
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Droopy eyelid or cockeyed eyebrows
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
Potential Side Effects
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Trouble speaking
- Breathing problems
- Loss of bladder control
