Panama Uses Botox for Patient Rehabilitation

The Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social, CSS) reported that the Arnulfo Arias Madrid Hospital Complex offers a treatment with botulinum toxin, better known as Botox. "Although botulinum toxin is mainly known for its cosmetic use, in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the Complex, it is used for therapeutic purposes, benefiting many patients and significantly improving their quality of life," highlights the fund. At the Hospital Complex, the CSS offers a treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox) that has transformed the lives of numerous patients with mobility difficulties derived from cerebrovascular diseases, spinal cord injuries, brain or spinal tumors, and traumas. The drug is applied to the muscles that present an increase in tone. His recovery was in charge of a multidisciplinary team, and the treatment with botulinum toxin allowed him to recover the mobility of his right arm. Ana Elena Navarro, from the service, highlighted that this treatment significantly helps patients to recover their functionality and independence. Each vial of botulinum toxin costs between 350 and 400 balboas on the private market. According to the CSS post, this treatment "has transformed the lives of numerous patients with mobility difficulties derived from cerebrovascular diseases, spinal cord injuries, brain or spinal tumors, and traumatic brain injuries." While playing as second base in a baseball game, he suffered a stroke that immobilized the right side of his body. Meanwhile, Samuel Tapia, 49, also suffered a stroke while shopping. Upon waking up in the hospital, he could not move his arm and had difficulty speaking. After this period, a physiatrist performs a new assessment to determine the necessary dose. A life-changing treatment. What seemed like a sports day for Sergio Atencio, 43, became a painful episode. The CSS offers this treatment through a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients who require it. Its maximum relaxing effect is reached at 15 days and its duration ranges between four and six months. After receiving the treatment and participating in therapies, his recovery has been "surprising", which has allowed him to return to his normal life. "Moving my arm as before is priceless," expressed Atencio in the CSS note.