While Botox is best known for its use in treating wrinkles, it is also used for a number of medical purposes, many of which are not officially endorsed by the FDA. Migraines and cerebral palsy are some of the many conditions that can be improved with regular injections of Botox, but these treatments, unfortunately, are not completely without consequence.
Kristen Spears was a seven year old girl with cerebral palsy. Botox shots were intended to help calm the spasms in her legs and allowed her to walk without surgery. Instead, Botox may have killed her.
The family is now working with an Orange County personal injury lawyer to file suit against the manufacturer. It is one of many upcoming cosmetic and non-cosmetic suits regarding the drug. The corporation says their is no proof the drug caused Kristen’s death, and the deaths of other victims, though. A spokeswoman said the drug’s safety record has been “remarkable” so far, she claimed that any deaths that seemed to be caused by the drug were actually caused by underlying health conditions.
Over a year after Kristen’s death though, Botox was ordered to start warning doctors and consumers of potentially life-threatening side effects and may be dangerous for use in children. The girl’s family claims that the company was aware of the dangers prior to her death though.
To read more about the suit, see the article in the L.A. Times. Image via Sarah G… [Flickr].