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Suggest Treatment For Severe Stress And Anxiety

Posted on Thu, 15 Jun 2017

Question: Hi, I have a mild case of cerebral palsy effecting my left side. I am high functioning (college educated) and the only real outwardly sign of the disability is that I walk with a moderate limp on my left side. I have noticed that when I am experiencing stress and anxiety my limp becomes more apparent. This can be very distressing in the work environment. I have been doing research and would like some more information on baclofen. I am very apprehensive to take pills, I don't want to become dependent on a drug to function. also would Botox be a viable option to reduce the spasticity I experience

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Baclofen is a good possibility in your case.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Baclofen is an antispastic drug that may be used in mild to moderate cases of muscles spasticity that accompany cerebral palsy, so, it is suitable to be used in your case.

It generally does not cause any dependence, but it may cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped cold turkey.

Botox is reserved for moderate to severe spasticity and when other treatments such baclofen, physical therapy failed to succeed, so, botox seems to be not suitable in your case.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

hi, thank you for an informative answer. I have another I have noticed when I drink alcohol the spasticity in my legs seems to lessen. Is this common? I also notice the next day after alcohol consumption my legs seem much tighter and more spastic. Is this too a common occurrence? Thank you in advance for your answer

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Known effects of alcohol use.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Alcohol is known to have anxiolytic properties and increases blood circulation, so, that's why the spasticity subsides when you take it.

In the other hand, there is an increase in lactic acid levels in the blood that worsens the existing spasticity and may cause muscles cramps also.

So, these issues are known common effects of alcohol use.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (10 hours later)

Thanks for another great answer. I just have one last question with regard to Botox injections. Are Botox injections a procedure most neurologist offer or would I have to find a neurologist who speacialize in the injections assuming I would pursue this course of treatment

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to find one specialized.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

As we discussed previously, Botox injections are reserved in cases of resistant muscular contractures where other treatment modalities failed to improve the condition.

Not all Neurologists can perform this procedure, you should find one specialized in this field who can evaluate correctly your condition, knows the procedure and follow you up.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy