Cerebral Palsy Botox Lawsuit filed by Maryland family
A lawsuit has been filed against the manufacturer of Botox by the parents of a four-year-old Maryland boy, whose death in 2007 was attributed to off-label injections of the anti-wrinkle cream which were prescribed to help improve his symptoms of cerebral palsy.
>>PRIOR POST (2/9/2008): Use of Botox to Treat Cerebral Palsy
Linked to Serious Reactions
Botox is a medication which is approved for cosmetic procedures, as well as to treat cervical dystonia which causes muscle contractions in the neck. The medication contains the botulinum toxin, which is the bateria associated with the development of Botulism. As a result of the impact it has in reducing muscle tension, Botox injections are often prescribed off-label to treat cerebral palsy, which is associated with muscle contractions and lack of muscle control.
The Maryland boy from Charles County was prescribed Botox injections by his doctors to help him gain the ability to walk. The parents were told by his doctors that the Botox treatment would help the boy increase his ability to stretch his muscles. However, after several shots of Botox were administered over a period of three years, the boy died from a stroke and pneumonia.
A lawsuit filed by the parents alleges that their son’s death in 2007 was caused by the Botox injections. The manufacturer of the drug, Allergan, was blamed for negligence in design, manufacture and marketing of the popular anti-wrinkle drug. The suit also claims that Allergan promoted Botox “off-label” for patients with cerebral palsy, even though it was not approved for this purpose by the FDA or deemed safe and effective.
In February 2008, the FDA issued a public health warning to consumers and healthcare providers following multiple reports of deaths, breathing problems, and other adverse reactions caused by Botox. The FDA specifically highlighted the potential risks when using Botox to treat children with cerebral palsy, since the typical dose given is substantially larger than what is normally used for cosmetic purposes.
The reactions associated with Botox injections often produce symptoms similar to Botulism, such as weakness, vision problems, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and respiratory distress.
CEREBRAL PALSY BOTOX LAWYERS
The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent children throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result of a medical mistake at the time of birth. Potential for Cerebral Palsy Botox lawsuits are also being considered. If your child or a family member suffered a severe reaction to Botox resulting in death or serious injury, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
