Botox For Muscle Spasms - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

kelpie · 02-06-2006, 05:55 PM

I haven't been diagnosed as having MS but the MS specialist says its "possible MS". The neuro said that Botox injections might help my muscle spasms either way. Has anyone who is experiencing muscle spasms ever tried Botox and did it help?

Thanks, Kelpie

curious11 · 02-06-2006, 06:04 PM

As far as I have read, Botox for spasticity isn't approved, it's just experimental. There are a few different spasticty drugs on the market, I wonder why your doctor didn't mention those first?!

kelpie · 02-06-2006, 07:45 PM

Hi Curious,

I think because he's had good results with Botox. Btw, he's a MS specialist/neuro. He asked why my regular neuro hadn't suggested it! But he did confirm that insurance wouldn't pay for it. I've been on Soma and Baclofen for 3 years and not gotten much relief. I've also had physical therapy (two different rounds), acupuncture, cranial sacral massage - with very limited success - and chiropractic actually made things much, much worse.

Towards the end of my appt. the specialist said he wanted to wait before giving me anything until the results of the LP had come in, which I guess makes sense. Still, I was wondering if anyone had tried Botox for spasms. Expensive, but the MS specialist seemed to have a lot of faith in it and thought it was a shame insurance wouldn't recognize it as being beneficial. I've also read it's being used with success in treating migraines.

kelpie

Barbbelle · 02-07-2006, 05:59 AM

Hi!!
I had Botox injections in my calf 3 months ago. The doctor uses very thin needles and injects 3-4 vials of Botox in different parts of your muscles. I really didn't feel anything. I must say that it did really help the muscle spasm in my leg and now that it is wearing off, I notice it's benefits more because the spasms are becoming more of a problem again. I didn't feel very well the day after the shot...but that could have been just one of those days!

I asked the neuro at my last appointment if I should up my Baclofen (which I take at night) or Zanaflex (which I occasionally take during the day) and he said that he would rather that I take another round of Botox. The other drugs make me a little drowsy and he wants me to keep my head in the game.

I didn't mind this treatment at all and my insurance company paid for it...surprisingly enough. I heard that it costs approx. $5000. Not sure if that is correct or not.

Hope this helps you!! Best of luck! Barb

kelpie · 02-07-2006, 10:20 AM

That is very interesting, Barb! I'm really glad the Botox helped the spasms

and that your insurance paid for it!!

Maybe if there are precendents elsewhere of insurance companies paying for Botox treatments, other insurance companies will follow suit. Botox isn't without a few side effects but sure sounds better to me than being on muscle relaxants on a daily basis, especially when (for me) they only give minimal relief. Two doctors now have told me they believe Botox could relieve my symptoms for about 3 months. I've heard the cost is $500 per vial - so 3-4 vials as you had would be quite expensive. If I am diagnosed, I'll definitely check into the insurance aspect of it. Thank you so much for the information!

kelpie