Few people know that Botox was first used to treat eye muscle disorders and severe neck and shoulder contractions. Now, it's being used effectively to treat spasticity, says Dr Parul R Sheth

Six-year-old Sakshi needed to run 50 metres and come within the first three places to qualify for her school annual sports finals. She knew this was tough for her because all of a sudden, she would feel her muscles turn stiff, giving her pain and making it impossible to move. Sakshi does not know what is wrong with her. Her parents say that she has cerebral palsy.

Thirty-year-old Sarita's muscular spasms have, over the years, worsened to the point that they now interfere with her ability to sit or even lie down. Sarita suffers from spasticity, which resulted from a spinal injury.

There's help now for Sakshi and Sarita.

Research studies reported in the August 8, 2004 issue of the 'New England Journal Of Medicine' confirm that Botox is an effective treatment for post-stroke spasticity. It is given in the form of an injection just under the skin into the muscle, using a fine needle. There may be some discomfort like a sting, which can be minimised by using a cold ice pack. Side-effects such as pain, tenderness, bruising, etc, may occur but these are usually short-lived.