Oct 31, 2002
NewsRx.com
Drake Center, a major postacute care and rehabilitation hospital, has been using botulinum toxin, or Botox, for medical purposes.
Since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April, the demand for Botox for cosmetic purposes has grown enormously to temporarily remove lines and wrinkles from the face. And while "Botox parties" are all the rage, the substantial medical benefits of Botox for victims of stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, and brain and spinal cord injuries, is less known, but remarkable.
Such victims often suffer spasticity, a chronic movement disorder that can interfere with functional activities, positioning and bracing, and can cause pain and impede normal movement. Drake's Spasticity and Mobility Management Program uses a variety of medical interventions and therapies, including Botox, to dramatically improve patient quality of life.
"Botox has garnered so much attention lately for the cosmetic improvements
it can make," explained Drake's Dr. Susan Pierson, who was among the first
physicians to use Botox for medical treatment in the early 1990s. "But
the life-changing effects it can have on stroke patients and people suffering
from brain and spinal cord injuries are very important." This article was
prepared by Drug Week editors from staff and other reports.
© Copyright 2002, Drug Week