An estimated 1 million Americans suffer from a condition called Upper Limb Spasticity, or ULS. The condition develops after a person suffers a stroke or there is a brain or spinal cord injury and causes painful muscle stiffness and tightness in the upper limbs. But a new treatment used in the cosmetic industry and is giving some patients relief.
The Department of Neurology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has been conducting clinical trials on the use of Botox for the treatment of ULS. The FDA recently approved the substance for use in treating ULS.
“Much like you would think about wrinkles, it relaxes the muscles... the doses are higher and we do the injections about every three to four months and combine that with therapy and sometimes oral medications. It allows the patient to then do things for themselves, often times. One patient I had came back and was very happy because she could pull her pants up better,” said Allison Brashear, M.D., professor and chairwoman with the Department of Neurology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
The hospital is hosting a free community event to talk about the condition and treatment options.
The guest speaker will be Henry Winkler, best known for his role as “The Fonz” on the TV show Happy Days. Winkler’s mother suffered from ULS after a stroke in 1989. Winkler is now the spokesman for The Open Arms Campaign to help bring awareness on the condition. He said the right treatment makes it easier for patients and caregivers.
“She was a very active woman before this happened, and you watched the will to be active drip out of her. This incredible tool was not available,” said Winkler.
Winkler is also sharing some other of his life experiences in his new book called “I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River”.
The ULS seminar will take place from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the Hawthorne Inn and Conference Center. Registration is required for the free event. For more information click here http://www.openarmscampaign.com .
