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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy?
Question: Hi, I have a mild case of cerebral palsy high cognitive functioning. the only real sign of the condition is that walk with a mild limp with my left leg. Sometimes when I am nervous my leg gets really tight and my limp becomes more pronounced. Is there any medication I can take that would help with spasticity. If so what are they? Is botox effective for this issue? Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
There are several medications which can be used for spasticity. The most used would be baclofen (brand name Lioresal). Other alternatives are benzodiazepines like clonazepam or muscle relaxants like Tizanidine.
As for Botox, yes, it is used for spasticity. However its use is usually reserved when oral medication like the ones mentioned have been tried and failed.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
There are several medications which can be used for spasticity. The most used would be baclofen (brand name Lioresal). Other alternatives are benzodiazepines like clonazepam or muscle relaxants like Tizanidine.
As for Botox, yes, it is used for spasticity. However its use is usually reserved when oral medication like the ones mentioned have been tried and failed.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the great information. Is the spasticity medication considered a narcotic. Is there addictive properties associated with it? Thank you for your time.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
That depends a little on what do you mean narcotic. The term itself means a compound with sleep inducing properties. In everyday language it has become a term used to describe illegal drugs with high potential for abuse like opiates. If that is what you meant then those medications are not at that level.
Baclofen, the first choice among those medications, is not related to abuse. It doesn't produce euphoria and is not considered addictive. It may produce some drowsiness though (usually improves with time) and if interrupted should be done gradually because there can be some withdrawal symptoms. However I would not qualify it as addictive or narcotic, any drug acting on nervous system can cause some side effects in a few patients.
When it comes to benzodiazepines they are more tricky. They do carry a potential to create dependence and tolerance with long term use. So I usually try to prescribe them only when for short periods.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
That depends a little on what do you mean narcotic. The term itself means a compound with sleep inducing properties. In everyday language it has become a term used to describe illegal drugs with high potential for abuse like opiates. If that is what you meant then those medications are not at that level.
Baclofen, the first choice among those medications, is not related to abuse. It doesn't produce euphoria and is not considered addictive. It may produce some drowsiness though (usually improves with time) and if interrupted should be done gradually because there can be some withdrawal symptoms. However I would not qualify it as addictive or narcotic, any drug acting on nervous system can cause some side effects in a few patients.
When it comes to benzodiazepines they are more tricky. They do carry a potential to create dependence and tolerance with long term use. So I usually try to prescribe them only when for short periods.
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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