Botox in La Jolla, the popular gel known to smooth wrinkles, is proving to be a versatile treatment. While the injectable liquid can erase crow’s feet and soften laugh lines, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says, the trendy treatment is also helping stroke patients.
After a stroke, many patients deal with some sort of paralysis or muscle spasms. Recently, researchers tried Botox injections to relax the muscles of stroke patients are found remarkable results. “The bent elbow, clenched fist, flexed wrist – those muscles are stiff,” Dr. Patrick O’Brien explained to the news source about symptoms experienced by stroke patients. “The muscles are tight. They hurt.” CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta says up to four in 10 stroke survivors suffer from spastic disability. “You may recognize it as stiffness on one side of the body, often seen in a club-like hand or foot. These people lose their independence — the ability to wash themselves, to eat, even walk. Botox allows some of them to gain back mobility and function in their muscles.”
For stroke victims like Sarah Abrusley, Botox allowed her to regain some of her independence. The former ballerina battled paralysis in her left side, but says Botox injections helped her regain use of her limbs. “More and more my fingers are relaxed,” Abrusley told the news provider. “Everyday I can very readily take my wedding ring on and off.”
While patients like Abrusley found relief through Botox, Dr. David M. Simpson, a professor of neurology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and a leading botulinum researcher, told the New York Times that only about 5 percent of the stroke patients who could benefit from its use ever get it. Simpson says few nursing homes know about the benefits of Botox and many doctors aren’t trained to give the injections. It is more common, he says, for doctors to prescribe medications.
While Botox in La Jolla is a viable option for stroke sufferers, Gupta warns the treatment doesn’t dissolve all problems. “Botox isn’t a cure-all. It can have minor side effects and more studies need to be done on long-term use. But for many patients, Botox provides the muscle relief that will allow them to better move their muscles.” Plus, the effects of Botox are temporary. The injections need to be repeated every three to four months to maintain results.
The maker’s of Botox started marketing to stroke patients a few years ago, but it’s not the only subset of people to benefit from periodic injections. The drug is also used to treat more than 20 other conditions, including incontinence and excessive sweating, and scientists are currently testing Botox’s efficacy in treating conditions such as asthma. It’s number main purpose, however, is cosmetic. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 3.6 million people had Botox injections last year.
If you’re interested in botox injections for paralysis, or merely as a beauty treatment, call Dr. Kincaid and schedule your consultation today: 858-450-4199. Dr. Kincaid serves the greater San Diego area including Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Oceanside, San Marcos, Encinitas, Vista,Fallbrook, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Scripps Ranch and all other San Diego cities.











