For children and teens, Botox can be an effective treatment for cerebral palsy. However, applications must observe certain guidelines to make sure that everything goes well. That’s why the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society have compiled guidelines for Botox applications to treat cerebral palsy.

The guidelines say that Botox can be an effective and generally safe treatment, but it also has risks.

“In reviewing this drug for treatment of spasticity in children, the [U.S.] Food and Drug Administration is investigating isolated cases of generalized weakness following use of botulinum toxin type A for spasticity,” explained Dr. Mauricio R. Delgado from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Delgado is the lead author of the new guidelines.

For short-term effects, the guidelines also recommend diazepam to treat spasticity. Tizandine can also be an optional treatment for liver toxicity. However, none of these treatments have been solidly proven.

“There is an urgent need for more research to establish the effectiveness of the current treatments for generalized spasticity and to find additional, safer and more effective medications,” commented Dr. Mauricio.