United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Wondering if any of the TBPI have used botox. Have seen it used on some of the kids but will it work on the older ones? Also, I think I saw where someone had steroid injections? Any info on this would be helpful.
Thanks, Sue

Botox for?? And steriods?

Botox in this situation to weaken the tricep thus allowing the bicep to work better.
Steroids in the bicep to help gain strength.
Sue

geez-haven't heard of that. I am working w/ botox for sweating under my injured arm. I looked up the treatment on my BC/BS sight and they only cover any treatment for Botox in certain situations and that one you are talking about is not in there. Has the FDA approved it yet?
I would be so careful of steroid injections.
Good luck in finding answers to your questions!!!
Kath

Yes, Botox is used for what Sue is looking to do. Check the OBPI boards... babies/children there have had it done. I've used botox to weaken my calf muscle to decrease spasticity, but it has been used on children to increase the use of another muscle (only works for about 3 months at a time).

http://ubpn.org/messageboard/thread ... 472#139472

Use the search function to see more results on this.

As for steroids... not sure. I know they are considered dangerous for various reasons (can render a person sterile, weakens the immune system...) and they do not give long term results unless you keep using them, so once you stop them, the muscle stops being "big" and strong...

Marieke (31, LOBPI)

Wow, thats great. I am way beyond that point of using Botox to help in way you are talking about.
Good luck with all that you do and I hope it works!!!
Kath