Botox for my two and a half year old

[kamsmom]

I was wondering if anyone has had botox done for their little one. Have you seen a difference? Do you think it works? How do the docs inject botox? What are the side effects? My son's doctor is wanting to inject botox in his hamstrings to loosen the spasticity. Let me know your experience. Thanks.

[Angeiscoool]

Hi, I have Botox every 12 weeks, its brilliant, I have it in my inflectors (inner thighs) and right hamstring. it is a little painful to start but oh my god the relief from it is incredible.

For instance, I have been spasming in my right leg for a decade, 1 injection and I am now able to walk, aided of course but my freedom is back.

The side effects, happiness, independence, painlessness, oh and a mild flu like symptom for a few hours after the injection.

Been on it for 2 years now after finding that Physio was doing more damage to my disintegrated right hip (undiagnosed for 20 years) and my dose is going down all the time and the length of time between shots is getting longer too. My nurse thinks I will eventually get to 6 monthly which is great but not disastrous if it don't happen.

For me, go for it, honestly the bit of crying from the needles and stretching will be way out weighed by the pleasure your son will get.

Ange

[natang]

HI there, I am new in this forum. My name is Natan Gendelman. I am working with children with various neurological disorders for over 23 years.
Depends on the child, each one is completelly different. If your child is gaining independence and function, and there is no spasticity, but hyper tone - I would think twice. Because botox is making the muscles lax, so you can expect certain decrease in function. But again please do not get me wrong - each child is different. In addition, before making up the decision, please check FDA website for side effects. I personally saw kids going on ventilator after the botx injections. It is very defferent for adults and children.
Sorry if I put any pressure on you, but I think you have to make decision based on pro - and cons.
All the best regards,
Natan

[LeaciesMum]

Hi there, I'm new to this site too. My little girl is almost 4, she has spastic quadraplegic cerebral palsy level 4, although she has no drooling, speech or intelectual problems. Leacie has had 2 treatments with botox now, the first time in her long finger flexors, thumbs and her hamstrings. The second time it was in her hamstrings and calf muscles.

As the others have said, each child is different with how quickly it takes effect and how long the effects will last. The first time I noticed a difference within 3 days for her hands. We then had intensive PT and OT and the results were amazing. Her thumbs are no where near as adducted now 18mths later, even though the botox itself wore off in about 10 weeks. The last lot of botox in her legs took about 5 days before I noticed a change (I could bend her feet in), again some intensive PT and a new Hart Walker made some great gains, unfortunately she went through a huge growth spurt just as it was wearing off (about 9wks later) and she's gone very stiff again.

Almost everyone I've spoken to said that botox is best done when they are young and growing as gradually over a couple of years they build a resistance to it and it's effects last shorter and shorter time until it's not really worthwhile.

My daughter also had an adductor release and they gave her a phenol block at the same time, this was wonderful as it is much longer lasting than the botox.

I don't know about where you are but here in Australia they give a light general anaesthetic when they give the little ones botox. Also they will assess if your child is suitable, they told me that kids who's mouth, throat and airways are affected are poor candidates due to the risks breathing difficulties.

I wish you luck, I hope it goes as well for your little guy as it did for us.

[kamsmom]

I just wanted to update on my son receiving botox. My son got the botox in his calves and abductors. They did not use anything to numb the area...but it was quick. He did very well and it was hard on mommy and daddy. We noticed a big difference in less then 48 hours and its has been about a month and no more changes. My son was a toe walker and can now put his feet flat on the floor. You can tell that this gave him stability and the confidence he needed. He now wants to walk every where and tries to do things by himself. We are so happy that the botox did something for him. Its a scary decision to make as a parent and you have to believe you are making the right choices. He is already scheduled for his second set in December and will get it in his hamstrings. Thanks for everyones stories.

Melissa
Kam's mom