Botox may be used to treat the problem of severe drooling by children suffering from neurological conditions like cerebral
Botox may be used to treat the problem of severe drooling by children suffering from neurological conditions like cerebral palsy.
Children suffering from cerebral palsy and other similar diseases have no cognition and hence do not have the control over the salivary reflex. This condition often leads to sores, and other physical discomfort apart from being a constant problem for parents or people who are taking care of them.Researchers of Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, had used Botox injections, which are guided with the help of the ultrasound into the salivary glands, to control the drooling.
The results of the trials showed that 70% of the procedures have been successful, with children showing little to major improvement in their drooling conditions. The dosage of Botox injections however is dependent on the condition and requirement of each of the children. However, the researchers feel the higher the dosage used and more in frequency, the better results are seen.
This may be one of the first non-invasive successful treatments for the cause, as often surgery is required to treat severe drooling, and that too may not be successful always.
The scientists will be presenting their reports at American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting in New Orleans, US.
Reference: EurekAlert news release, May 2005
