Our Services: Primary & Specialty Care
BOTULINUM TOXIN (BOTOX) INJECTION FOR SPASTICITY
Spasticity is a condition involving overactive muscle contractions. It can be described as hyperactivity of reflexes that normally protect against sudden stretching of a muscle. This condition can interfere with mobility and performance of activities of daily living. Over time, spasticity may lead to contractures, which involve loss of range of joint motion.
Disorders that may cause spasticity include stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, brain or spinal cord tumors, and other disorders of the central nervous system. The treatment of spacticity includes physical , pharmacological and surgical procedures. Each one has its own merits but also disadvantages. In recent years , injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) becomes one of the most important methods to treat spasticity.
Botox therapy is used to treat patients with spasticity that restricts function or causes pain. Botox is a nerve impulse ”blocker.” It attaches to nerve endings and prevents the release of chemical transmitters, which activate muscles. These chemicals carry the ”message” from the brain that tells a muscle to contract. If the message is blocked, the muscle doesn’t spasm.
In our clinic, small amounts of Botox are injected into several locations along the muscle group determined by the EMG test. This helps maximize the benefits of the medicine and to reduce the amount of BOTOX injected. The maximum dose of Botox is less than 500 units per visit. Botox is given by injection directly into the affected muscles.
However, nerve endings usually grow new connections to muscles that have not yet been exposed to Botox. So, treatment may be repeated as often as every three months. Botox usually takes full effect within two to four weeks after injection. Patients should resume physical activity slowly and carefully after Botox injection. The most common side effects include discoloration, redness, pain, or discomfort at the injection site.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Our board-certified endocrinologists are helping patients better manage their diabetes through the latest technology in continuous glucose monitoring. Visit the Dexcom website to learn more about the difference this could make in your life or in the life of someone you love.
DO YOU…
Have DIABETES?
Experience sudden, unexplained, fluctuations in blood glucose levels (Glycemic Variability)?
Experience low blood sugar that you are unable to detect (Hypoglycemic Unawareness)?
Experience low blood sugar while sleeping at night (Nocturnal Hypoglycemia)?
Have a hemoglobin A1c level above 7% or not at your personal goal?
If you answered YES, to any of these questions, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) may be just what you are looking for. Speak to your healthcare provider about obtaining a Professional CGM Study. You may request your physician to schedule the procedure or if you have further questions you can reach the Endocrinology Department at (574) 296-3296 extension 2.
Services Include:
Antibiotic therapies
Treatment therapies for Osteoporosis such as Reclast or Boniva
Hydration and electrolyte replacement
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Iron Therapy
Treatment therapies for Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis such as Remicade or Entyvio
Migraines/MS therapies
Port-a-Cath flushes
What to Expect:
A quiet comfortable atmosphere with reclining chairs and personalized attention from our dedicated nursing staff. We offer complimentary coffee, juice and simple snacks. There are TV’s and magazines available for use in addition to Wi-Fi for cell, tablet or computer use.
What to Bring:
Book/other type of reading material
Your own personal electronic device with headphones to listen to music or watch DVD’s
A sweater or jacket if you tend to get chilly
Other Helpful Hints:
For the first time therapy, we recommend that someone accompany you to the appointment.
You are able to eat and drink before, during and after infusion. If you are going to be in the Infusion department for a duration of time, you may want to bring a light meal or snack with you. We do have complimentary coffee, juice and simple snacks.
You can take your regular daily medications, along with any that your physician may instruct you to take for your treatment regimen.
Wear comfortable clothing.
We welcome visitors, however, with limited space we request that the number be kept to a minimum. Also, we try to be mindful of those that may have a weakened immune system. If visitors have been exposed to the flu or a cold and have an active cough, they may be asked to use a mask.