Botox toxin gets into rat brains Apr 2, 2008
Currently, Botox is used to treat disorders such as dystonia and spasticity, in which overactive nerves lead to muscular problems. Caleo reasons that if the toxin can treat overactive nerves in the body, it might also be useful for overactive neurons in the brain itself. (Nature News Service)
New drugs added to PBS list Apr 1, 2008
Adults who suffer severe upper limb spasticity due to stroke will have access to the drug Dysport, which will benefit an estimated 10,000 patients. The total cost of the drugs listed today is $27. (The Australian)
Mixed signals Mar 28, 2008
She's had surgery to implant a pump to help control the spasticity which makes her leg muscles tighten up stiffly. Holloway has been able to continue her work in medical billing at Pulmonology Associates, located in North Mississippi Medical Center's east tower. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Motor Neuron Disease And Toxic Substances: Possible Link? Mar 22, 2008
Fink examined members of two families who had progressive weakness and spasticity (tightness) in their legs, as well as muscle atrophy in their hands, shins and feet ... It begins in childhood and progresses slowly, with symptoms of weakness and spasticity in the legs and muscle atrophy in the hands and lower legs. (Science Daily)
Ipsen and Medicis Announce Submission of Reloxin BLA in Aesthetics to the FDA Mar 17, 2008
Dysport(R) is a neuromuscular blocking toxin which acts to block acetylcholine release, hence reducing muscular spasm, and was initially developed for the treatment of motor disorders and various forms of muscular spasticity, including cervical dystonia (a chronic condition in which the neck is twisted or deviated), spasticity of the lower limbs (heal) in children with cerebral palsy, blepharospasm (involuntary eye closure) and hemifacial spasm. It was later developed for the treatment of a wide... (Primezone Releases)
Medical board faces 'Butcher of Bega' suit Mar 5, 2008
Her daughter Sarah was delivered by Mr Reeves in 1995 and was later found to have quadriplegic spasticity, epilepsy and impaired vision. Ms Zubrecky's lawyer, Bill Madden of Slater and Gordon, said the action against another respondent, Hornsby Hospital, was also dropped after the hospital insisted it was not liable because Mr Reeves had not been its employee. (The Australian)
Letters to the Editor - 3/2/2008 (68) Mar 2, 2008
Mr. Myers should be assured that Shriners Hospital for Children, the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation and pediatric neurologists treating spasticity and rigidity in these child palsy sufferers (S-CP) are hardly interested in fuller lips or fewer wrinkles. The risks and benefits of treatment are still not clear, but research is ongoing. (North County Times)
Victim takes partial blame Feb 29, 2008
According to court documents, Drauch's injuries included severe pain in his left leg, hip, knee and arm, referring to "spasticity" and "shock to his nerves and nervous system.". Drauch was transported to Mount Nittany Medical Center in critical condition and later flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. (Daily Collegian, PA)
A wrinkle in the Botox story Feb 13, 2008
In the recent years, Allergan has begun testing the drug for expanded uses like treating migraines, post-stroke spasticity, and overactive bladder. An Allergan spokesperson says it is important to note that the adverse events being investigated by FDA all occurred among patients using the drug as part of aggressive, high-dose neuromuscular treatments. (CNNMoney.com)
Off-label Botox use linked to serious side effects Feb 11, 2008
Most of the severe reactions occurred in children treated for limb spasticity associated with cerebral palsy, an off-label use, Katz said ... But, Katz said, "we believe we now have reports for distant side effects in patients without underlying neuromuscular disorders," including the children with spasticity, which generally is not considered a neuromuscular disorder. (USA Today)
Botox Linked To Respiratory Failure And Death, FDA Advises Feb 11, 2008
The most severe adverse effects were found in children treated for spasticity in their limbs associated with cerebral palsy. Treatment of spasticity is not an FDA-approved use of botulism toxins in children or adults. (Science Daily)
FDA Issues Botox Warning Feb 11, 2008
The FDA said the deaths it is investigating so far all involve children, mostly cerebral palsy patients being treated for spasticity in their legs. The FDA has never formally approved that use for the drugs, but some other countries have. (Time.com)
Death, drug reactions spur concern about Botox safety Feb 10, 2008
"We don't rule out the possibility that it may happen with cosmetic use, but we think the real message today is about pediatric patients with spasticity," Katz said. Allergan said it welcomed the review and noted that neither Botox nor any other botulinum product had been found to be the cause of any patient's death. (Los Angeles Times)
Drug regulators re-evaluating Botox's safety Feb 10, 2008
Many of the most serious reactions - deaths and hospitalizations - occurred among children treated for cerebral palsy-associated limb spasticity, the agency said. The drugs are not FDA-approved for that use in children or adults. (San Francisco Chronicle)
• U.S. puts Botox under review Feb 9, 2008
The most severe reactions were found in unapproved uses for "children treated for spasticity in their limbs associated with cerebral palsy." The products have been linked in "some cases" to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death ... The FDA said the most severe adverse effects, including at least one death, involve children being treated for "spasticity in their limbs." ... Because of the large doses given to treat spasticity the adverse events could be related to overdosing,... (FOX59, IN)
FDA reviewing safety of Botox and rival product Feb 9, 2008
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the most alarming cases included hospitalizations and an unspecified number of deaths and occurred mostly in children treated for cerebral palsy-associated limb spasticity, a use not approved in the United States. The FDA said its review applied to Allergan's Botox and Botox Cosmetic, and Solstice Neurosciences Inc's Myobloc. (Scientific American)
FDA warns of deaths in children treated with Botox Feb 9, 2008
Health Canada is already reviewing safety information on Botox, which is approved in Canada to fight wrinkles and for non-cosmetic purposes, including the treatment of spasticity or muscle stiffness. No confirmed cases of toxin spread have been reported in Canada, department spokeswoman Carole Saindon said Friday by e-mail. (Globe and Mail)
Botox Risks Under Review at FDA Feb 9, 2008
The agency said, in a posting to its Web site, most of the deaths occurred in children being treated for cerebral palsy-associated limb spasticity ... She said Botox is approved in many countries outside the U.S. to treat limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy and the typical dose of active ingredient in the injection is significantly larger than used for cosmetic use. (SmartMoney)
Botox Faces FDA Safety Review Feb 9, 2008
"The real message today is particularly in pediatric patients with spasticity," or severe muscle stiffness, he said. Still, patients getting Botox for cosmetic reasons "should be aware this is a possibility, however rare.". (Yahoo News -- Consumer News)
Research Supports Medicinal Marijuana Feb 9, 2008
Countless anecdotal reports have suggested that smoking marijuana can help relieve the pain, nausea and muscular spasticity that often accompany cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other ailments. But few well-controlled studies have been conducted. (Yahoo News -- Medical Marijuana)
Avigen Reports 2007 Financial Results and Reviews Clinical Progress Feb 6, 2008
Enrolling subjects in an ongoing European multi-center AV650 Phase II trial at doses up to 900 mg in patients with spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis * Enrolling subjects in an ongoing U.S. AV650 Phase II trial at 450 mg, the currently approved dose level in Europe, in patients with spasticity associated with spinal cord injury * Reported positive initial results from an Australian AV411 Phase IIa exploratory clinical trial demonstrating favorable safety and tolerability at escalating... (Primezone Releases)
Pentec Health Taps Former Cardinal Health Executive Joseph Cosgrove as Chief Executive Officer Feb 2, 2008
About Pentec Health Pentec Health delivers nutritional support to dialysis patients who are unable to maintain adequate nutrition levels and provides specialized pain and spasticity management services to patients with intrathecal pumps. In both areas, Pentec Health is a clinical leader that focuses on outcomes management while providing high levels of patient and provider satisfaction. (PR Newswire)
Student files civil lawsuit Feb 1, 2008
According to court documents, Drauch's injuries included severe pain in his left leg, hip, knee and arm, referring to "spasticity" and "shock to his nerves and nervous system.". His civil complaint also cites injuries to his head including cognitive deficits, speech impairment, blurred vision and "psychological injuries.". (Daily Collegian, PA)
Acorda's Next Hurdle Jan 25, 2008
He foresees earnings of 90 cents a share in 2010, based on early Fampridine sales and revenue from Acorda's only other product, Zanaflex, which helps MS patients control spasticity. The company, which doubled the size of its national sales staff to 65 in 2006, sold $26. (SmartMoney)
Yoga helps MS sufferers lift dreams 'to the sun' Jan 12, 2008
" For many, a dream for the New Year is getting in shape and living a healthy lifestyle. Segal, a resident of Friendswood, likens yoga therapy to a "battery charge" for people of all ages and physical conditions, where breathing and meditation energize the body. She teaches a wheelchair class for the disabled, even a sitting class which is beneficial for office workers. The class is funded by the Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the largest chapter in terms of... (Pearland Journal, TX)
Botox treats kids with cerebral palsy Jan 10, 2008
Botox controls spasticity (when the brain cannot control because tightness sets in). Administering botox relax the muscles. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Dr. Albert Cheung Dec 18, 2007
The condition, Ischemic Spastic Paraplegia, is a painful form of extreme spasticity and rigidity that causes permanent and untreatable loss of motor function and paralysis. The condition can result from surgery to repair aortic aneurysms, an operation that is performed on thousands of patients each year around the world. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Road to recovery Dec 14, 2007
It s hard to sleep because of a painful condition called spasticity, which makes the muscles in his legs contract forcefully. He wakes up, legs rigid. (The Daily Reflector)
Avigen's AV411 Shows Promising Initial Results for Neuropathic Pain Nov 4, 2007
Avigen is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing unique small molecule therapeutics to treat serious neurological disorders, including neuropathic pain and neuromuscular spasm and spasticity ... Avigen is currently developing AV650 for spasticity and neuromuscular spasm and AV411 for neuropathic pain. (Primezone Releases)
Findings Could Lead To New Therapy For Spinal Cord Injury-induced Spasticity And Rigidity Oct 19, 2007
18, 2007) Research led by scientists at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine has identified a target with potential as an effective new therapy for chronic spasticity and rigidity, a painful condition that often results from spinal cord injury ... In work with rats, Martin Marsala, M.D., a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, demonstrated that an AMPA receptor antagonist called NGX424... (Science Daily)
Brain Needs Perfection In Synapse Number Oct 8, 2007
In a report that appears in today's issue of the journal Neuron, they said that too little MeCP2, as in the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome, or too much MeCP2, can result in mental retardation, problems with gait or spasticity and symptoms of autism ... Boys who suffer from a disorder linked to too much MeCP2 have spasticity and mental retardation with autism-like behavior. (Science Daily)
Brain injury support group offers safe place to talk, share Oct 6, 2007
brain injury include seizures, muscle spasticity, speech impairments, migraines, fatigue, balance problems and motor coordination. Those with brain injuries can suffer from depression, mood swings, inappropriate behavior and problems with emotional control, anxiety, frustration and stress. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Disabled find confidence and joy in riding program Sep 16, 2007
This makes riding a valuable therapy for diseases such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy that produce clumsiness or spasticity of arms and legs, and for one-sided paralysis and other problems with asymmetry. Susan Saulnier of Lynn said riding has been "almost like physical therapy" for her 9-year-old daughter, Madison, who has a disability that causes low muscle tone in her back and trunk. (Boston Globe -- Local)
Avigen Initiates European Multi-Center AV650 Phase II Spasticity Trial in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Sep 5, 2007
Sept. 5, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Avigen, Inc. (NasdaqGM: - ) a biopharmaceutical company innovating therapeutics for the treatment of neurological conditions, today announced the initiation of a Phase II trial for AV650 (tolperisone HCl) in the treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). This Phase II spasticity trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of AV650 in MS patients at doses up to 900mg for one month followed by an open-label safety extension ...... (Primezone Releases)
Raising awareness on cerebral palsy, its treatment Aug 8, 2007
Almost all children with this form CP are able to walk, since spasticity mostly affects the arm ... Various forms of rehabilitation can be helpful to children with CP, such as physical therapy, a standing frame to reduce spasticity, or the Bobath Concept to help the child physiologically through play to improve posture and reduce stiffness. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Canada backs marijuana cancer drug Aug 8, 2007
The drug is currently being developed for approval in four target indications: MS spasticity, MS neuropathic pain, cancer pain and peripheral neuropathic pain. This latest Canadian approval comes with conditions, approved under Health Canada's Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) policy. (US-PharmaTechnologist.com)
Landmark Study in The Lancet: Patients Treated With Betaseron(R) After First MS Attack Experienced Significant Delay in MS Progression Aug 3, 2007
They may include: fatigue or tiredness, dimness of vision in one or both eyes, weakness of one or both legs, numbness and tingling in the face, arms, legs and trunk of the body, spasticity (muscle stiffness), dizziness, double vision, slurred speech and loss of bladder control. About Betaseron Betaseron (Interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. (PR Newswire)
Jets stars support teen after athletic surgery Aug 3, 2007
Eriksen, 16, of Baldwin, was born with cerebral palsy, which left him with a condition known as spasticity, characterized by tight, stiff muscles in the arms or legs that make motion difficult or uncontrollable ... "His spasticity makes it harder for him to move laterally," Schneider explained. (Bayside Times, NY)
JRRD releases volume 44, issue 3 Aug 2, 2007
Development and validation of Patient Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure (PRISM), pg ... Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience a range of symptoms including spasticity ... People with SCI and spasticity report that spasticity is among the five factors in their lives that concern them most. (EurekAlert!)
Governor And Others Should Ask: What happened in the Wagner case, exactly? Jul 24, 2007
He has significant spasticity in his arms and legs. It is unlikely that his condition will improve, the high court said. (Nebraska Statepaper)
GW faces setback over MS drug Sativex Jul 22, 2007
Regulators said GW's current data did not prove conclusively that Sativex helped treat the shaking suffered by multiple sclerosis patients, known as "spasticity" ... GW said the talks with regulators had been "constructive and detailed" and the company now has a "clear path" toward gaining approval for Sativex as a treatment for spasticity ... Mike Barnes, a leading specialist in neurological diseases, said: "The data clearly show that Sativex provides much needed relief of MS spasticity. This... (Telegraph.co.uk)
GW Pharma forced to hold back on cannabis treatment Jul 21, 2007
He said: "It [the research data] showed that, on average, half of the people with MS who tried Sativex gained some benefit. There were no safety concerns. Despite this the MHRA has asked for yet more data ... it is our view that Sativex should be licensed and become available ... for patients with spasticity due to multiple sclerosis.". GW Pharma expects new data to be compiled within 12 months and plans to re-submit its application for approval as soon as the research is completed. (Independent)
Botox may ease cerebral palsy in kids Jul 6, 2007
The muscles of people with cerebral palsy are often stiff, contract spontaneously and over-react to stimulation, a characteristic called spasticity. Injection of Botox helps to reduce spasticity and allows the person a greater degree of control over muscle movement ... Since the first report on the use of Botox to treat spasticity in children with cerebral palsy was published in 1993, there have been more than 100 articles addressing the intervention, note Dr. Kristie Bjornson, of Childrens... (MSNBC -- Health)
California medical marijuana laws conflict Jun 21, 2007
o ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person's health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief. SB 420, however, quantifies the amount, allowing qualified patients... (Mount Shasta News, CA)
Avigen to Present At Needham and Company Biotechnology Conference Jun 7, 2007
Avigen is a biopharmaceutical company focused on unique small molecule therapeutics and biologics to treat serious neurological disorders, including neuropathic pain and neuromuscular spasm and spasticity ... The company currently has in development AV650 for neuromuscular spasm and spasticity and AV411 for neuropathic pain. (Primezone Releases)
The drugs do work Jun 6, 2007
Two trials are under way at Rome University and at Montreal Neurological Institute, where cannabis-based extracts are being used for treating spasticity and pain. There is evidence to support the view that cannabinoids can reduce muscle spasticity in people with MS, say the Rome team Results from trials have been mixed. (Belfast Telegraph)
Girl with cerebral palsy flies to China for 'untested' treatment Jun 4, 2007
The brain sends the wrong signals to muscles causing spasticity and other problems. Neurologists say the damage is irreversible and the most that treatment can achieve is improved muscle function, through physiotherapy or by the use of drugs including Botox, the anti-wrinkle treatment. (Independent)
Fernald feels like home Jun 1, 2007
But as she got older, her scoliosis, coupled with extreme spasticity in her legs, made it increasingly difficult for her to get around. Both feet are deformed, and she has intermittently worn a leg brace. (Boston Globe)
Nerve damage may occur after weight-loss surgery May 30, 2007
Among patients who develop symptoms years down the road, the spinal cord typically is affected, resulting in falling, extreme coordination and gait problems, and severe spasticity, and some individuals need to use wheelchairs. Juhasz-Pocsine and her team describe 26 cases of neurological problems that occurred in gastric bypass patients in the medical journal Neurology. (Scientific American)
Mother's Day 2007: A Bond Beyond Birth May 14, 2007
If Ms. Sheehan uses the bathroom late at night, sometimes the spasticity, or continuous contractions, in her legs causes her to fall when she is getting back into her wheelchair ... Besides the fatigue and spasticity in her legs, her vision is impaired, and her hands and arms sometimes tire easily. (Scranton Times, PA)
Study shows Botox decreases pain and intensity of spasticity following a stroke May 3, 2007
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Final results from a multi-center study shows that repeated treatments of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA or Botox) over one year is well tolerated and results in a significant decrease in spasticity, pain frequency and average pain intensity in upper limbs following stroke, according to research from a neurologist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Significant improvements in these outcome measures indicate a better quality of life for post-stroke patients... (EurekAlert!)
Exercise can cut coronary artery disease risk for some with MS Apr 30, 2007
The most commonly reported symptoms include muscle weakness, spasticity, excess fatigue and depression, which often results in a vicious cycle of reduced mobility and decreased physical activity. Reduced activity level predisposes people with MS to be at increased risk for secondary diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). (EurekAlert!)
Brain Stimulation May Curb MS Spasticity Apr 3, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Magnetic stimulation of the brain (transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS) may help relieve "muscle spasticity" in people with multiple sclerosis, Italian researchers have found. Spasticity is a form of muscle overactivity ... Dr. Diego Centonze, from the Universita Tor Vergata in Rome, and colleagues tested various high- and low- frequency TMS protocols in 19 people with MS and spasticity of the legs. (MEDLINEplus)
Botox might relieve pain in child surgery Mar 26, 2007
Botox has been used for many years to treat muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. It also has been injected into muscles around the skull to relieve headaches, Raney said. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Drug studies in kids prompt label changes Mar 23, 2007
The foundation has raised and will bear a little more than half the cost of the study, to examine the drug baclofen in treating spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, Pucie said. In comments to the GAO, the Health and Human Services Department said the report fails to acknowledge the success of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act program. (MSNBC -- Health)
State stem cell panel disburses $74.5 million Mar 17, 2007
Ischemia-induced paraplegia, often combined with spasticity and rigidity of muscles, is a serious complication that can occur after patients undergo surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. The symptoms also occur in many people with traumatic spinal injury. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Sun Pharma spells out products in its NCE pipeline Mar 16, 2007
The fourth NCE, Sun-09, is targeting the $200 million global market for muscle spasticity drugs. The company is also eyeing the global market with a few NDDS, by launching a few drugs with drug powder inhaler (DPI) technology in the semi-regulated markets by 2009. (Financial Express)
New centre helps ease mobility problems Mar 12, 2007
Those afflictions can lead to spasticity, a condition where some muscles are continuously contracted ... Botox injections are one type of treatment offered at the Glenrose's Regional Spasticity Service. (Edmonton Sun)
Marijuana as wonder drug Mar 1, 2007
While few such studies have so far been completed, all have lent weight to what medicine already knew but had largely forgotten or ignored: Marijuana is effective at relieving nausea and vomiting, spasticity, appetite loss, certain types of pain, and other debilitating symptoms. And it is extraordinarily safe -- safer than most medicines prescribed every day. (Boston Globe)
Bailey goes to bat for annual Variety Kids Telethon Feb 26, 2007
As she grew, she has had orthopedic surgeries and injections to relieve spasticity in her legs. But now - with ongoing therapy - she can walk for short distances. (Buffalo News)
Suit wants acknowledgment of pot's value Feb 22, 2007
The group cited peer-reviewed studies suggesting cannabis can be effective for AIDS wasting, muscle spasticity and chronic pain. The government's stance ignores its own studies, activists say. (Los Angeles Times)
GW Pharma signs partner for cannabis drug in US Feb 15, 2007
It has incurred a number of delays in the UK but is currently being assessed by regulators in four European countries as a treatment to relieve spasticity in multiple sclerosis, with a decision expected later this year. Reuters 2007. (Reuters.uk)
WP:Marijuanahelps AIDS patients Feb 13, 2007
Countless anecdotal reports have suggested that smoking marijuana can help relieve the pain, nausea and muscular spasticity that often accompany cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other ailments. But few well-controlled studies have been conducted. (MSNBC -- Health)
Cannabis drug may help fight obesity Jan 31, 2007
GW is best known for developing Sativex, a treatment derived from cannabis that fights spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients. Sativex, an under-the-tongue spray, has been approved in Canada, but has hit delays with regulators in Britain. (Reuters.uk)
Transient Effects Seen with in Utero SSRI Exposure Jan 19, 2007
Among the exposed infants, "the signs most often observed involved the central nervous system (63.2 percent): tremors, shaking, agitation, spasms, hyper- or hypotonia (muscle spasticity and loss of muscle tone, retrospectively), irritability and sleep disturbances," Dr. Ferreira's team reports. There were symptoms involving the respiratory system (40. (MEDLINEplus)
