Self-Worth of Children with Cerebral Palsy Is Increased by Botox Treatment

A recent study conducted in Australia revealed a potential new benefit of Botox injections for children with cerebral palsy. Treatment with the botulinum toxin appeared to enhance the self-perception and self-worth of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy when they were also given occupational therapy. Forty-three children with one-sided (hemiplegic) cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to undergo four sessions of occupational therapy over a period of four weeks, with or without injections of Botox in the affected upper limb.

Improvement in Body Structure and Self-Perception

The kids treated with Botox showed significantly more improvement in body structure and in activity participation at the 3-month follow-up timepoint, compared with the kids who did not receive Botox. The self-perception of the Botox-treated children was also higher at 3 months. At 6 months after the treatment period, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in self-perception or activity participation, but the improvement in body structure in the Botox group was still apparent. The study’s chief investigator, Dr. Remo Russo of Flinders University in Daw Park, South Australia noted that, "This study adds to previous studies investigating the effects of injection of botulinum toxin in the upper limb of children with cerebral palsy, but is unique given the findings related to improvement in self-worth." (Source: Pediatrics, May 2007) Or (Source: Reuters Health) Does your child have cerebral palsy? If you suspect that the cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice, contact a lawyer today to discuss your options.