Grandview has been invited to participate in a research project about the long term effects of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Through research and clinical experience, we already know that Botox improves spasticity, helps tight muscles grow better and gives an opportunity for the child to strengthen opposing muscles. It certainly seems like giving a child Botox injections into tight leg and arm muscles at young age helps them with long term mobility goals like speed of walking and how much they use a walker, however this has not actually been proven (at leas not yet) with research. This is a key question for us to know the answer to ensure that we are providing the best care to all children with Cerebral Palsy!

We are currently participating in a study entitled “Long Term Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin” which is being conducted at Bloorview Kids Rehab and Sick Kids. Grandview Children’s Centre, along with several other children’s treatment centres, are asking families whose young children (ages 2-5) are due to receive Botox for the first time to consider participating in research which will determine how well their children are doing with gross motor skills in comparison to children who have never received Botox. The children will be followed and measurements and evaluations will be conducted for a full 3 years following the first Botox injections. When this study is completed we will have a better answer for future families about “how much difference” does Botox make in terms of long term prognosis with walking and other gross motor activities. Dr. Mark Mason is the author from our centre, and also key as he administers the Botox, Jessica Todd is the physiotherapist who completes the evaluations and Cherie Kerr is acting as the study coordinator for our site. We are so proud of Grandview and the families involved for making this committement, it is only through carefully controlled studies with many participants across several centres that we can really get enough data to publish a high quality research study! We will let you know when the results are complete!

Click here to view 'Opening the Door for Children with Cerebral Palsy'