|
BOTOX® injections may reduce drooling in patients suffering from,
cerebral palsy (CP), according to a European research study.
Children with CP often cannot control some symptoms of the disease
such as drooling. Researchers tested two treatments -- BOTOX® injections
and motion sickness patches (scopolamine) -- on 45 patients with
severe drooling problems and measured their response to both agents.
Results indicate that both methods of treatment work at subduing
the symptom, but BOTOX® proved to have fewer side effects.
To test the BOTOX®, patients were put under general anesthesia and
it was injected into the salivary glands. The scopolamine patch
was placed behind the ears of the participants.
While both lowered the incidence of drooling, the greatest results
were seen two to eight weeks after the BOTOX® treatment. Also, one
injection -- or regular use of the scopolamine patch -- remained
effective for up to 24 weeks. BOTOX® proved useful in 49 percent
of patients. Scopolamine rated slightly higher -- 53 percent --
but caused side effects in 71 percent of patients. Patch side effects
included dry mouth, restlessness, blurry vision, or confusion. The
side effects associated with injection therapy were mild.
Researchers concluded that both were effective, but noted the patch
had a high incidence of side effects compared to BOTOX®. However,
the injections required patients to be under general anesthesia.
Pediatrics
September, 2004;114(3):620-7
| 