Doctors in the country are recommending Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type - A) for the treatment of cerebral palsy and spasticity. Botox has been used to treat over 900,000 patients worldwide for more than 11 years.

On occasion of the 'Cerebral Palsy' week, Dr. Ashok Johari, Dr. Asha Chitnis and Dr. Charulatha Sankhla shared with media their experiences on the various treatment options available for this condition.

Cerebral Palsy is a group of conditions caused due to damage to the developing brain that makes muscles stiff and hard to move, as the muscles are growing slower than the bone. Thus, the children find it hard or impossible to control the muscles. Repeated surgery is normally required.

According to Dr. Ashok Johari, paediatric orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, Bombay Hospital, said, "Botox is a revolutionary drug to manage spasticity and cerebral palsy in improving the locomotive control of the child." Botox helps to reduce the spasms and spasticity in the affected muscles. It helps to relax the muscles. This will make it possible for the patient to undergo other treatments like Physiotherapy, Splinting and casting.

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the motor learning of a CP child. "Botox is one of the adjuncts in treating focal Spasticity, where Botox can help prolong surgery or prevent re-surgery," says Dr. Asha Chitnis, paediatric physiotherapist, Bombay Hospital.

She recalled how a nine month old child who started walking on her toes, when treated with Botox, was able to walk normally by the age of three.

"Thus, identifying early, the wrong 'Motor Learning' pattern that a CP child normally adopts and correcting that pattern with the help of adjuncts like Botox can facilitate successful treatment," added Dr. Asha Chitnis.

There are 25 lakh disabled persons in India. Many of them suffer from movement disorders caused by conditions like Dystonia, Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity. Till recently, surgery was the most common treatment option available.

Spasticity is caused due to an injury or damage to either the brain or the spinal cord. Symptoms of spasticity include weakness or paralysis of muscles, loss of fine motor control of movements, muscle spasms or tightness.

Botox has been approved by US FDA. The DCGI has approved the use of Botox in movement disorders like Dystonia, Cerebral Palsy & Adult Spasticity.