Muscle spasticity is caused by damage to the nervous system. The brain controls the body's ability to move itself through a series of signals sent from the nervous system. Once the brain receives these signals, they will send them down through the spinal cord and the spinal chord will instigate appropriate movements with the desired limbs.
If the nervous system has become damaged, it may start to send out signals that were not requested by the body. In turn, certain limbs will respond by moving in jolting, uncontrollable manners. Muscles will also contract and flex on their own. This condition is called limb spasticity. The condition affects both adults and children and it can be highly incapacitating, painful and frustrating.
There are a variety of ways someone can damage their nervous system that will cause limb spasticity:
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Cerebral Palsy
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Stroke
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Brain Injury
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects infants when they are born and unfortunately, there is no cure as once the brain is damaged, it cannot be reversed.
The condition of limb spasticity can cause the sufferer severe pain if the muscles flex or contort into awkward positions. It is not uncommon for limbs to remain flexed for long periods of time.
Furthermore, those who deal with limb spasticity may shy away from social situations as they experience embarrassment when their muscles become spastic in public.
Treatments
While most people connect the term Botox with cosmetic enhancement, the FDA has approved Botulinum Toxin injections as an effective means of treating limb spasticity.
When it is injected into affected areas of the body, Botulinum Toxin works by blocking the release of the chemical, acetylcholine. In turn, temporary paralysis of the muscles is induced. This allows muscles to relax and unwanted spasms to cease periodically.
All medical treatments come with chances of side effects and it is important for those who are considering Botox injections to treat muscle spasticity to understand the potential risks.
Potential risks include:
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Nausea and Vomiting
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Sensations of Fatigue
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Pain in the Arms
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Muscle Weakness
Theses symptoms are not severe and will usually subside in a matter of days. Many believe that brief fatigue and feelings of nausea are not nearly as hindering as the condition of limb spasticity itself.
More extreme side effects are possible as well. They involve trouble breathing or swallowing. However, the more qualified the doctor is, the less the chances are of experiencing any type of incapacitating side effect.
Results of Botulinum injections are best when combined with a prescribed regimen of physical therapy that includes special stretching and controlled muscle movement. The body will benefit from this treatment after damage to the nervous system has occurred.
Sufferers of limb spasticity should speak to their doctors about the possibility of Botox treatments.