Special Treatments (Botox) & Tests

Electrodiagnostic Studies

Physical Medicine doctors have been trained to perform electrodiagnostic studies. Electrodiagnostic medicine procedures can be used in the diagnosis of numbness, weakness, fatigue, cramps, and abnormal sensations. The two procedures used most commonly are the electromyographic examination (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. These techniques help the Physical Medicine doctor to diagnose conditions that cause pain, weakness, and numbness.

Some common problems diagnosed by using electrodiagnostic studies are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pinched nerve at wrist), Neuropathy (nerve injury), Radiculopathy (pinched nerve originating from spine), and other forms of nerve entrapments.

(Botox) Botulinum Toxin Injections for Muscle Spasms

Botulinum (Botox) treatments relieve muscle spasm problems that occur from injury or illness. Our doctors are currently using the two available types; Botox (botulinum type A), and Myobloc (botulinum type B). Botox and Myobloc have a slightly different mechanism of action, but both block the nerve from sending the chemical message which causes muscle spasms. Botox and Myobloc are therapeutic muscle-relaxing agents which are injected directly into the spasming muscle. The doctor will know which type of botulinum toxin will work best for your disorder.

Some disorders that are treated with botulinum injections (Botox or Myobloc) in our office are: Muscle spasticity, Migraine headaches, Muscles Spasms (such as whiplash from car accidents), Torticolis (severe neck spasming muscles), Myofascial (muscle) Pain Syndrome, spasticity from Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, and other medical conditions.

The botulinum injections therapeutic effect begins approximately 3 days after injection, and generally reaches its maximum effect in 2 to 3 weeks. The therapeutic effect lasts from 3 months and up to 6 months or more. For more information on Botox or Myobloc, please refer to our Related Links of Interest page.

Medtronic's Syncromed Implanted Pump

Medtronic's Syncromed pump maintenance is performed at of clinic. Our doctors have experience in the management of Medtronic's Syncromed Pumps for pain management and/or muscle spasicity management. Julaine Root, RN has been trained in refilling and programming the Medtronic's Syncromed Pump. Under the direction of our physicians, she has been involved in this treatment since 1998.

The Medtronic's Syncromed pump is implanted usually in a patient's abdomen, a small tube runs from the pump to the intrathecal space in the spinal column. With the use of the pump, a patient's medication can be infused continuously, alleviating the peaks and valleys of oral medication. The medication dose needed for relief of symptoms can be much lower than that of oral medications. Chronic pain patients that are unable to get his or her pain managed may benefit from an implanted pump. Treatment has been beneficial for patients with cancer, chronic back pain, muscle pain, and other chronic pain conditions. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis have been able manage muscle spasicity using the Medtronic's Syncromed pump filled with Baclofen, an antispasmodic drug.