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Botox injections for leg spasticity?
Has anyone experienced success with botox injections for leg spasticity? I am on my fourth go-around with botox injections in my right leg for severe spasticity at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I have yet to experience ANY relief. In addition to no improvement in spastic episodes, my right knee has been buckling, suggestiing that surrounding muscle groups have been adversely affected. Prior to these series of injections, I have (unsuccessfully) tried several muscle relaxers. My neurologist has indicated we are running out of viable options. I have severe balance issues, going from walking sticks, walkers, and a powr chair. I have developed a drop foot in my right leg, with weakness/numbing in both legs, with my right leg more severely affected. In addition to ongoing physical therapy, I have had dozens of scans and tests yielding no definitive cause for this condition. FYI: My official diagnosis from Mayo - going on 6 years now - is idiopathic thoracic myelopathy. Any suggestions, shared experiences, or similar nuerological issues?
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Hi there! I have *exactly* the same problem, and using the same aids.
My current dx is spinal stenosis and peripheral neuropathy, but neuro wants conductor study and I refuse.
Neurosurgeon wants to operate with no promises. Pain management wants to inject a block. Primary gave me tramadol after I cried, lol.
I have bilateral hip replacements and my right side is very painful but doc says it’s not the hip.
I already had a script for Lyrica but I have to keep increasing it.
I drink coconut water for hydration, and recently got Electrolit drinks from Costco and cvs, they really help. So does screaming for a heating pad in the middle of the night!
I thought Botox might be the ticket, and then opened your post. No one has ever mentioned that.
I had Covid and sepsis before this came on. I’ve been vaccinated multiple times too. I always worry these symptoms are early ALS or something. My neurologist is stumped.
I’m only 61. I didn’t expect to need an adjustable base bed and a power lift recliner this soon!
Let’s keep in touch.
Thank you so much for the reply. It's amazing how complex our medical system has become - with multiple diagnoses, or no diagnosis, even from the top specialists at Mayo (" A Place for Answers"). Yet we have to continue to "keep on keeping on" if we want to eventually find some sort of relief. Six years ago I was running 5 miles a day and enjoyed a retirement life filled with adventure, travel, and plenty of activity. It is too easy to become cynical and/or lazy to continue to seek answers. I am also the primary caregiver for my wife (late middle stages of Alzheimers). The burdon of my physical limitations compounds my ability to effectively care for my wonderful wife. Friends and family have been supportive and help out whenever they can. I am still able to drive with hand control modifications, which still gives me a sense of independence, and I will continue to fight the good fight for all of us struggling to indeed "find a place for answers." Good luck to you. And we will stay in touch. Thanks!
I’m sorry for what you’re going through physically & I love your dedication to taking care of your wife! I’m 77 yo & have had mild cerebral palsy since birth, but have been leading a normal life - college, marriage, have a child, worked, etc. But, about a year ago my left arm was hurting - felt like a strained muscle. My PCP referred me to a Dr to have Botox injections in my arm. I only had 1 & it worked wonders! It took a while to see results, but it’s been 6 months & still no spasticity! I pray you have the same results!